Ear Treatment by ENT Specialist

Tinnitus: Understanding the Condition and Treatment Options

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a perceived sound that originates from within the ear, without an external source. It can manifest as ringing, hissing, buzzing, or other sounds.

Types of Tinnitus
  • Subjective Tinnitus: Only the patient can perceive the sound (most common, 95%).
  • Objective Tinnitus: Others can hear the sound (rare, <5%).
Causes of Tinnitus
  • Hearing Loss: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
  • Ear Issues: Wax, osteoma, ear drum perforation, otosclerosis, fluid behind the ear drum.
  • Medications: Certain medications can cause tinnitus.
  • Other Factors: Stress, anxiety, sinus/allergy issues, dental problems, neurological conditions.
Symptoms and Effects
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue/sleep disturbance
  • Depression
  • Suicidal thoughts
Treatment Options
  • Hearing Aids: For SNHL-induced tinnitus.
  • Surgery: For causes like ear drum perforation, osteoma, or acoustic neuroma.
  • Medication: For conditions like Meniere’s disease, sinusitis, or cardiovascular diseases.
  • Masking: Using noise to temporarily mask tinnitus.
  • Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): Combines counseling with sound therapy to habituate to tinnitus.
  • Neuromonics: A six-to-eight-month therapy protocol using spectrally modified music to retrain the brain.
Recent Advances
  • Acoustic Coordinated Reset Neuromodulation: A new approach to treating tinnitus.
  • Magnetic and Electrical Brain Stimulation: Exploring new ways to stimulate the brain and alleviate tinnitus.
Key Takeaways
  • Tinnitus is a complex condition with various causes and effects.
  • Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause.
  • A comprehensive approach, including counseling and sound therapy, can help alleviate symptoms.
Consult a Healthcare Professional

If you’re experiencing symptoms of tinnitus, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Common Ear Surgeries:

Myringotomy and Grommet Insertion

Involves making an incision in the eardrum to drain middle ear fluid and inserting a ventilation tube. Performed under local anesthesia in adults and short general anesthesia in children.

Tympanoplasty

Repair of the eardrum with restoration of the middle ear hearing apparatus under local anesthesia with sedation. Patients can usually return home once fully alert.

Mastoidectomy

Removal of disease (commonly cholesteatoma) from the mastoid and middle ear, with or without reconstruction. Often done under sedation or general anesthesia; vertigo may occur post-surgery.

Stapedectomy

Surgery for restoring hearing in otosclerosis, typically done under local anesthesia with sedation. Patients may experience vertigo or vomiting post-operatively and should avoid air travel for some time.

Otology: External Ear Diseases & Treatments:

Disease & Medical Conditions of External Ear

The external ear consists of the pinna and ear canal, which amplifies sound and pressure. Common conditions include earwax buildup, eczema, swimmer’s ear, foreign objects, and auricular perichondritis.

Earwax Buildup & Blockage

Excess earwax (cerumen) may cause discomfort, hearing loss, and infections. Symptoms include earache, blockage, tinnitus, and fullness. Treatment ensures safe earwax removal to protect hearing health.

Dermatitis or Eczema

Dry, flaky skin in the ear canal leads to itching, discharge, and temporary hearing loss. Modern ENT treatments effectively address this condition.

Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa)

Common in swimmers, it results from trapped water fostering bacterial/fungal growth. Symptoms include ear pain, discharge, hearing loss, and lymph node swelling.

Foreign Objects in Ear

Often affecting children, foreign particles entering the ear cause discomfort, movement sensations, or blockage. Prompt medical removal is advised.

Auricular Perichondritis

Inflammation of the pinna, often due to trauma, bites, or piercings. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and redness. Treatment is crucial to prevent complications like chondritis.

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The Audiology Section is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of hearing and balance disorders for patients of all ages—from infants to seniors.

Key Aspects of Our Audiology Section:
    • Focus: Comprehensive care for hearing and balance conditions.
    • Professionals: Experienced audiologists and speech-language pathologists with advanced qualifications and certifications.

 

  • Services Offered:
    • Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA): Measures hearing sensitivity across frequencies.
    • Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE): Tests inner ear function, used for newborn screening and hearing diagnosis.
    • Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA): Evaluates auditory nerve and brainstem pathways.
    • Impedance Audiometry (Tympanometry): Checks middle ear function, pressure, and infections.
    • Vertigo Clinic: Diagnosis & treatment of balance and dizziness disorders.
    • Other services: Speech audiometry, tinnitus therapy, hearing aid fitting & repairs.
What are Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)?

OAEs are soft sounds generated in the inner ear in response to sound. They are detected using a small probe placed in the ear canal.

What is an OAE Test Used For?
  • Newborn Hearing Screening: Non-invasive, quick screening for infants.
  • Pediatric Hearing Assessment: For young children unable to perform traditional tests.
  • Monitoring Cochlear Health: For those exposed to noise or medications.
  • Cross-Verification: To confirm results from other tests.
Interpreting OAE Results:
  • Present OAEs: Indicates normal cochlear function.
  • Absent/Reduced OAEs: May signal hearing loss or ear blockage.
Types of OAEs:
  • Spontaneous OAEs (SOAEs): Occur naturally without sound stimulus.
  • Evoked OAEs (EOAEs): Occur after sound stimulus:
    • Transient-Evoked (TEOAEs): From brief sounds like clicks.
    • Distortion Product (DPOAEs): From two simultaneous tones.

Note: OAEs are often combined with other tests for a full hearing evaluation.