Tinnitus is the perception of ringing or other noises in one or both ears when no external sound is present. Patients often describe these sounds as continuous or intermittent buzzing, whistling, chirping, or hissing. Some patients may hear whooshing, humming, or other sounds. The volume and pitch of these noises can vary and may be more noticeable in quiet environments. While tinnitus does not directly cause hearing loss, it can impair concentration and listening abilities, potentially leading to psychological issues if left untreated.
Tinnitus isn’t just a problem with your ears—it also involves your brain and emotions. When your ears don’t send clear sound signals to the brain, often due to hearing loss, your brain tries to fill in the gap. It starts “guessing” what it should be hearing and ends up creating its own sound—this is what we experience as ringing, buzzing, or other phantom noises. At the same time, areas of the brain that control emotions, like the amygdala and hippocampus, can become too active. This overactivity makes the sound feel more intense, stressful, or upsetting than it actually is. Research has also shown that in people with tinnitus, the parts of the brain responsible for hearing and emotions are more strongly connected. This makes it harder to ignore the sound and can increase feelings of distress or anxiety.
Type of Tinnitus | What It Feels Like | How It’s Treated |
Subjective Tinnitus | Only you can hear the ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound. | Hearing aids, sound therapy, avoiding loud noise, stress management. |
Objective Tinnitus | A doctor can also hear the sound using a stethoscope. | Treating the muscle or blood vessel issue, sometimes surgery. |
Pulsatile Tinnitus | You hear a beat or pulse, like a heartbeat or whooshing. | Managing blood pressure, treating vein or artery issues, medical tests may help. |
Somatic Tinnitus | The sound gets louder or changes when you move your head or jaw. | Physical therapy, jaw treatment (TMJ), posture correction, stress relief. |
Migraine headaches
Changes in blood vessels and brain activity during migraines can bring on temporary or recurring tinnitus.
Tinnitus may also be linked to disorders causing vertigo or dizziness and can be an indicator of an underlying medical condition.
Objective and Subjective Tinnitus
Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears) can be caused by different things, so treatment depends on what’s triggering it. Here are some ways to manage and reduce tinnitus:
Sometimes tinnitus is a symptom of something else. Treating that problem can reduce or stop the ringing:
Earwax Build-up
If too much wax is blocking your ear, an ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctor can clean it out safely.
Ear Infection
If an infection is causing the problem, antibiotics can help reduce the swelling and clear it up.
TMJ Disorder (jaw joint problem)
This can be treated by dentists, orthodontists, or ENT doctors with exercises, bite guards, or jaw treatments.
These techniques help you feel more in control and less stressed about the ringing:
Focused Breathing
Inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds. Repeat 10 times. It helps calm anxiety.
Body Scan Meditation
Slowly focus on each part of your body and relax it. Notice the tinnitus without judging or reacting to it.
Sound Acceptance
Pair the ringing with soft background sounds like rain or music. This helps your brain stop thinking of the sound as a threat.
Cognitive Restructuring
Change negative thoughts like “This will never stop” to “It changes, and I’ve handled it before.”
Behavioral Activation
Do activities you enjoy—like playing sports, hanging out with friends, or listening to music—to stay positive and distracted.
3. Nutrition for Ear and Brain Health
Tinnitus is often worse when your body is low on certain nutrients like iron and zinc. Eating better can help:Taking both iron and zinc together can reduce damage inside the ear and improve hearing over time.
Nutrient | Why It Helps | Good Food Sources |
Iron | Carries oxygen to the inner ear | Red meat, spinach, lentils (Pair with vitamin C for better absorption) |
Zinc | Supports brain and hearing pathways | Oysters, pumpkin seeds, yogurt (Soak lentils/beans before cooking) |
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