Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Is The Cause And Treatment For Tinnitus?
Question: I have a whooshing sound like a low foghorn in my right ear usually when lying down to go to sleep at night or when waking in middle of the night or morning. This has been happening for close to one year and is becoming more frequent and persistant. I can make it stop temporarily by either moving my head from side to side quickly or putting my finger close to or inside my ear. Can you tell me what would be the cause and some possible ways to cure?
Brief Answer:
The whooshing sound is known as Tinnitus.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The whooshing sound is known as Tinnitus. This is common and in your case age related hearing loss must be ruled out. A PTA (Pure Tone Audiogram) and an Impedance Audiometry (Tympanometry) should be done after examination of the ear drum.
2. It comes as no XXXXXXX that your Ct Scan was normal. It usually is.
3. Your Tinnitus is mild and the fact that it stops temporarily on moving your head from side to side quickly or by putting a finger close to or inside the ear means that Cervical Spine X-rays, a Neck Vessel Doppler Study (to look for turbulent blood flow) and ear examination for wax and tests for mild age related hearing loss are the most investigations for you.
4. Also check if the whooshing sound matches your heartbeat, in which case it is known as 'pulsatile' or 'vascular' Tinnitus.
5. I must emphasize that in a vast majority of patients of tinnitus, the cause is never found. However there are further treatment options depending on the type of tinnitus.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
The whooshing sound is known as Tinnitus.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The whooshing sound is known as Tinnitus. This is common and in your case age related hearing loss must be ruled out. A PTA (Pure Tone Audiogram) and an Impedance Audiometry (Tympanometry) should be done after examination of the ear drum.
2. It comes as no XXXXXXX that your Ct Scan was normal. It usually is.
3. Your Tinnitus is mild and the fact that it stops temporarily on moving your head from side to side quickly or by putting a finger close to or inside the ear means that Cervical Spine X-rays, a Neck Vessel Doppler Study (to look for turbulent blood flow) and ear examination for wax and tests for mild age related hearing loss are the most investigations for you.
4. Also check if the whooshing sound matches your heartbeat, in which case it is known as 'pulsatile' or 'vascular' Tinnitus.
5. I must emphasize that in a vast majority of patients of tinnitus, the cause is never found. However there are further treatment options depending on the type of tinnitus.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
