Have you ever noticed a ringing, buzzing, or humming sound in your ears when everything around you is completely quiet? You’re not imagining it. That persistent noise that only you can hear is called tinnitus, and it’s more common than you might think.
While it might seem harmless at first, tinnitus can interfere with sleep, focus, and overall quality of life. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options and why seeking expert help from an ENT specialist in Lagoscould be the key to long-term relief.
What Exactly Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head without an external source. It can come and go or be constant, and the sound may differ from person to person. Some describe it as:
- Ringing
- Buzzing
- Clicking
- Humming
- Roaring
It can occur in one or both ears and can be high-pitched or low, soft or loud.
Why Is This Happening? Common Causes of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is not a disease on its own, it’s a symptom of an underlying issue, and that’s why identifying the cause is key. Here are some of the most common culprits:
- Exposure to Loud Noise: Frequent exposure to loud music, construction work, generators, or even headphones at high volume can damage the tiny hair cells in the inner ear, triggering tinnitus.
- Earwax Blockage: You might think earwax is harmless, but when it builds up, it can press against the eardrum or block the ear canal, causing that ringing sensation.
- Age-Related Hearing Loss: Tinnitus often comes with presbycusis which is a hearing loss that develops as we age. It typically starts after age 60 and may be accompanied by reduced clarity in hearing.
- Ear and Sinus Infections: Any inflammation or congestion in the ears or sinuses can disrupt normal hearing function, leading to temporary or persistent tinnitus.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease can affect blood flow near the ears. Thyroid disorders, diabetes, or anaemia may also trigger tinnitus. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction near the jaw may radiate to the ears.
- Medications: Certain medications are known to cause tinnitus as a side effect, especially when taken in high doses. These include: aspirin, some antibiotics, diuretics and antidepressants. Always speak to your doctor before stopping any medication.
What Does It Feel Like to Live with Tinnitus?
Let’s be honest, it can be incredibly frustrating. Many people struggle to fall asleep because of the noise. Others have difficulty concentrating at work or communicating in social settings. For some, tinnitus is accompanied by anxiety, irritability, and even depression.
If you’ve ever experienced a ringing that just won’t go away, you’re not alone. Thousands of Nigerians experience it daily but very few seek help early.
When Should You See an ENT Specialist?
Tinnitus is a sign that something needs your attention. You should seek expert evaluation at LECC’s ENT Clinic in Lagos if:
• The noise lasts longer than a few days
• It gets worse over time
• You also have hearing loss, dizziness, or ear pain
• It’s affecting your sleep or daily functioning
The earlier you seek support, the more likely you are to identify and treat the underlying cause.
Diagnosing Tinnitus at LECC
When you visit an ENT specialist in Lagos at LECC, we begin with a full medical history and examination of your ears. Diagnostic steps may include:
• Audiometry (hearing test)
• Tympanometry (eardrum function test)
• Imaging, such as a CT or MRI if a structural cause is suspected
• Blood tests to identify conditions like anaemia or thyroid issues
This helps us determine if the tinnitus is related to hearing loss, infection, or something else entirely.
Treatment and Relief: What Can Be Done?
There is no single cure for tinnitus, but many treatments can help reduce its impact or eliminate it entirely when a root cause is found.
- Treat the Underlying Condition: Whether it’s an infection, high blood pressure, or a buildup of wax, treating the cause often resolves the symptoms.
- Sound Therapy: Soft background noise (like white noise or nature sounds) can help mask tinnitus and improve focus and sleep.
- Hearing Aids: For people with hearing loss, hearing aids not only improve hearing but also help mask tinnitus.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps patients change their reaction to tinnitus, reducing the psychological burden and improving quality of life.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Limit exposure to loud noise, reduce caffeine and alcohol intake, manage stress through breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness
Why Choose LECC for ENT Care?
At Lagos Executive Cardiovascular Centre, we treat the ear as part of the whole body. With our team of ENT specialists in Lagos, audiologists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, and neurologists, we’re able to provide a multidisciplinary approach to tinnitus care, whether it’s caused by an inner ear disorder or a circulatory issue.
We use cutting-edge diagnostic tools, offer compassionate care, and provide real, lasting solutions to improve your quality of life.
Take the Ringing Seriously
Tinnitus might be invisible to everyone else, but we hear you. Whether it’s a mild annoyance or something that’s disrupting your everyday life, you don’t have to live with it alone.
📍Call: +234 817 365 1737
🌐 Visit: www.thelecc.com
Let’s help you find the peace and quiet you deserve.
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