Tinnitus Explained: A Guide to Managing Ringing in Your Ears in Kollam

Is there a constant ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking sound in your ears that no one else can hear? This phantom noise, known as tinnitus, is an incredibly common condition. For some, it’s a minor annoyance. For others, it can be a source of significant stress, anxiety, and frustration, affecting concentration and sleep.

If you are experiencing this in Kollam, please know you are not alone, and more importantly, there is hope. At Hear & Speak, we specialize in helping people manage tinnitus and reclaim their peace and quiet. This guide will explain what tinnitus is and what can be done about it.

What is Tinnitus? (And What It Isn’t)

First, let’s be clear: tinnitus is not a disease. It is a symptom of an underlying issue within your auditory system—from the ear to the brain. It’s the perception of sound when no external sound is present.

It is not a sign that you are “going crazy,” and in most cases, it is not a sign of a serious medical condition. However, it is a clear signal from your body that something needs to be checked by a professional.

Common Causes of Tinnitus

Tinnitus can be triggered by a number of factors. The most common causes we see include:

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Prolonged exposure to loud sounds from machinery, music, or other sources is a leading cause. (We discussed this in our post on Occupational Hearing Loss).
Age-Related Hearing Loss: As we age, the delicate hair cells in our inner ear can degrade, leading to both hearing loss and tinnitus.
Earwax Blockage: Sometimes, something as simple as impacted earwax can cause tinnitus. (Read our guide on safe ear cleaning).
Medical Conditions: Issues like Meniere’s disease, TMJ (jaw joint) disorders, and certain head injuries can be culprits.
Certain Medications: Over 200 medications are known to list tinnitus as a potential side effect.

Management, Not Misery: How You Can Find Relief

While a universal “cure” for tinnitus is rare, there are highly effective ways to manage it, reduce its intensity, and lower its impact on your life. The goal is to help your brain learn to tune out the noise.

Hearing Aids: If your tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss (which is very common), hearing aids can be a game-changer. By amplifying the external sounds you’ve been missing, they help mask the internal sound of tinnitus. Many modern hearing aids also come with built-in tinnitus therapy features that play soothing sounds.
Sound Therapy: This involves using external sounds to help you cope. A white noise machine, a tabletop fountain, or even a fan at night can make the tinnitus less noticeable. There are also specialized apps that provide a range of therapeutic sounds.
Stress Management: Stress and anxiety are known to make tinnitus worse. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help you change your reaction to the tinnitus, reducing its emotional impact.

Your First Step: A Tinnitus Evaluation in Kollam

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. The most important step is to get a comprehensive evaluation from an audiologist. At Hear & Speak, a tinnitus consultation includes:

A detailed discussion of your symptoms and medical history.
A complete hearing test to check for any underlying hearing loss.
Tinnitus analysis, where we try to match the pitch and loudness of your tinnitus.

Based on these results, we will create a personalized management plan just for you.

Take Control of the Noise

Living with tinnitus can be challenging, but effective management is within your reach. You don’t have to “just live with it.”

If you’re tired of the constant noise in your ears, contact Hear & Speak in Kollam today. Schedule your tinnitus evaluation and let us help you find the quiet you deserve.