I have a ringing sound in the ear. My doctor does not think it is serious. Is it a sign of a health problem?
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2 Doctor Answers
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This answer was edited.Hi Gerald, thank you for your question! This article helps explain more about your symptoms: https://medicalchannelasia.com/live-concerts-like-taylor-swift-an-auditory-risk/
Ringing in the ears, called tinnitus, itself isn’t a disease, but rather a symptom that can be caused by various underlying conditions. Here’s why:
- Tinnitus originates from the inner ear or auditory system, not a specific disease.
- Many conditions can trigger it, including ear injuries, earwax blockage, age-related hearing loss, and Meniere’s disease.
Loud noises are a major culprit behind ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus. If you’re experiencing tinnitus, it is best to consult a doctor to determine the cause and receive proper treatment.
This information from Medical Channel Asia is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consulting a doctor is important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Thank you, Gerald, for sharing your experience with tinnitus, commonly known as ringing in the ear.
Tinnitus is quite common and typically isn’t a sign of a serious health issue. However, if it worsens or becomes chronic (lasting more than three months), it can significantly impact your mood and sleep.
If your tinnitus persists or interferes with your daily life and sleep, it’s crucial to have it evaluated by an ENT specialist. Tinnitus can stem from various causes, including:
- Exposure to loud noise
- Age-related hearing loss
- Ear injuries or infections
- Medication side effects
- Tumors like acoustic neuroma
An ENT specialist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to pinpoint the exact cause of your tinnitus and rule out any serious conditions. This evaluation may include a physical examination, hearing tests, and imaging scans.
Once the cause is identified, your ENT doctor can recommend the most suitable treatment plan, which may include:
- Sound therapy to mask the tinnitus
- Medications to manage related conditions or underlying infections
- Hearing aids if there’s associated hearing loss
- Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction and avoiding loud noises
I would encourage you to schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist for a thorough assessment and to discuss the next steps for managing your tinnitus. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Dr Valerie Tay
Senior Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon
https://www.aspire-ent.sg/
https://www.instagram.com/drvalerietay/The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.
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Thank you, Gerald, for sharing your experience with tinnitus, commonly known as ringing in the ear.
Tinnitus is quite common and typically isn’t a sign of a serious health issue. However, if it worsens or becomes chronic (lasting more than three months), it can significantly impact your mood and sleep.
If your tinnitus persists or interferes with your daily life and sleep, it’s crucial to have it evaluated by an ENT specialist. Tinnitus can stem from various causes, including:
An ENT specialist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to pinpoint the exact cause of your tinnitus and rule out any serious conditions. This evaluation may include a physical examination, hearing tests, and imaging scans.
Once the cause is identified, your ENT doctor can recommend the most suitable treatment plan, which may include:
I would encourage you to schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist for a thorough assessment and to discuss the next steps for managing your tinnitus. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Dr Valerie Tay
Senior Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon
https://www.aspire-ent.sg/
https://www.instagram.com/drvalerietay/
The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.