What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus, also known as ‘ringing in the ears,’ is a sign or symptom that something is not right with the auditory system which includes:

• The ear

• The auditory nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain

• The parts of the brain that process sound

The sound in the ears may manifest not just as ringing – though it is the most common description – but also as roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing.

• Sometimes the sound may seem soft, and at other times, loud

• The pitch may alternate between high and low

• It may be heard in just one ear or in both

Regardless of how it appears, tinnitus is not generated by external factors, and no one else but you can hear it.

If you or a family member are experiencing these symptoms, a specialized and experienced ENT surgeon like Dr. Dishant Chhabra can help you make an informed decision about the best treatment option.

What Causes Tinnitus?

Tinnitus can arise from a variety of conditions. Some common causes include:

• Earwax accumulation in the ear canal

• Foreign objects stuck in the ear canal

• Continued exposure to loud sounds

• Sudden exposure to loud sounds (gunshot, crackers, etc.)

• Prolonged ear and sinus infections

• Sudden trauma to the ear (slap injury, head injury)

• Nerve-related hearing loss (SNHL), usually age-related

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems

• Thyroid disorders

• Cardiovascular conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, vascular tumors)

• Ménière’s disease

• Brain tumors

• Hormonal changes in women

• Side effects of certain medications

Effects of Tinnitus

Although not life-threatening, untreated and prolonged tinnitus may cause:

• Fatigue

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Memory issues

• Difficulty concentrating

• Sleep disturbances

• Over-sensitivity to loud sounds

• Emotional and mental distress

Do you suspect that you might be suffering from Tinnitus? Take a Tinnitus Handicap Assessment to evaluate its impact on your life.

Treatment Options for Tinnitus

Currently, there is no absolute cure for tinnitus, but several treatments can help patients cope better and reduce its impact.

When you consult Dr. Dishant Chhabra, he will:

• Evaluate whether there is any hearing loss associated with the condition

• Perform a thorough Ear, Nose, and Throat examination

• Conduct necessary audiological tests and imaging, if required

• Identify the underlying cause and design a personalised treatment plan

Possible Treatment Approaches:

• Treating the underlying cause – which may often resolve or improve tinnitus

• Tinnitus retraining therapy – provided by trained audiologists in-person or virtually

• Tinnitus masking devices – especially helpful when hearing loss is associated

• Medications – to calm the patient and reduce tinnitus severity

• Lifestyle modifications – meditation, stress reduction, and relaxation exercises

• White noise sound machines – devices that help mask continuous background noise

About Dr. Dishant Chhabra

Consult Dr. Dishant Chhabra – Best Tinnitus Specialist in India

Dr. Dishant Chhabra is acclaimed as one of the best ENT specialists and Head & Neck Surgeons in the region. With extensive experience in the field of ENT, he is committed to providing advanced, evidence-based treatment for conditions like tinnitus, hearing loss, and complex ear disorders.

He has undergone specialized training in advanced ENT surgeries and has helped countless patients restore hearing, improve quality of life, and manage chronic ENT conditions effectively. His expertise, patient-centered care, and modern treatment facilities make him one of the most trusted names in ENT care.