What to do about tinnitus?

Tinnitus is more than just ringing in the ears! There are also hidden symptoms

In reality, this is typical tinnitus—medically defined as “sounds perceived within the ear or brain in the absence of an external sound source.” Like an invisible neighbor hidden in the ear, it can range from occasional bubbling to a 24/7 loop, even causing insomnia and anxiety. Today, let’s discuss: What are the various symptoms of tinnitus? What other “alarms” does the body send when it occurs?

Tinnitus’ “sound script”: Everyone hears differently

Tinnitus sounds are so varied that the differences in how different people describe them could fill a “sound dictionary”:

High-frequency cicada chirping: The most common type, resembling the chirping of cicadas in trees in the summer, is sharp and piercing, especially noticeable in quiet environments (such as late at night in a library). Low-frequency humming: Similar to the “buzzing” sound of a refrigerator compressor starting up, or the low-pitched noise of a hair dryer, it feels like the sound is coming from deep inside the head. Electrical/mechanical sounds: Some people describe it as the “crackling” sound of a short circuit in wires, or the “rustling” noise when tuning an old radio. Mixed sound effects: More complex combinations, such as “cicada chirping + humming,” “electrical sound + drumming,” and some people even hear “fuzzy sounds like people talking” (but not real sounds).

These sounds may occur intermittently (such as suddenly ringing for a few hours after staying up late) or persist (for days, months or even years); they may “sing solo” in one ear or “sing in chorus” in both ears.

Tinnitus rarely occurs alone: be alert to these “combined symptoms”

Many people think tinnitus is just a “little noise in the ears,” but it’s actually more like a chain of alarms sent by the body—ear discomfort and systemic abnormalities can all be linked to it. If tinnitus is accompanied by the following symptoms, it’s recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible:

The “chain reaction” of the ear itself

A stuffy feeling in the ear: This sensation, like having a cotton ball stuffed in the ear, may be temporarily relieved by pinching the nose and blowing air (similar to blowing your nose). This is common with Eustachian tube dysfunction (e.g., ear pressure imbalance caused by a cold or rhinitis).

Hearing loss: Tinnitus and hearing loss often go hand in hand—noise exposure, earwax blockage, and cochlear lesions (such as Meniere’s disease) can all cause both symptoms. For example, someone who regularly listens to high-decibel music with headphones may experience tinnitus first and then gradually notice difficulty hearing others whispering.

Dizziness/nausea: If tinnitus is accompanied by dizziness, unsteady walking, or even vomiting, be wary of Meniere’s disease (an imbalance of inner ear lymph fluid) or vestibular migraine (related to nerve hypersensitivity).

Alarm signals” of the whole body’s condition

Headaches/dizziness: For those who frequently stay up late or experience high levels of stress, tinnitus may be related to “nervous tension,” often accompanied by temple pain and a heaviness in the back of the head.

Sleep disturbances: Tinnitus is more pronounced in quiet environments (such as late at night), making it easy for people toss and turn, unable to sleep, creating a vicious cycle of “insomnia → anxiety → worsening tinnitus.”

Mood swings: Persistent tinnitus can stimulate the brain’s “alert system,” leading to irritability, anger, and even depression (research shows that approximately 30% of patients with chronic tinnitus also experience anxiety/depression).

Abnormalities of other organs: In rare cases, tinnitus may be a “local manifestation” of a systemic disease – for example, when the blood pressure of a patient with hypertension fluctuates, he may hear the sound of blood vessels pulsating (“wheezing” like blowing wind); patients with abnormal thyroid function and anemia may also induce tinnitus due to blood circulation problems.

What should I do if I have tinnitus?

First, don’t panic! 90% of tinnitus cases are “functional” (related to fatigue, stress, and noise exposure) and can be alleviated by adjusting lifestyle habits. However, if the following conditions apply, it’s recommended to see a doctor within 72 hours:
✅ Sudden onset of tinnitus and persistent for more than 24 hours;
✅ Accompanied by significant hearing loss, dizziness, or headaches;
✅ Ear pain, discharge, or fever (which may indicate infection);
✅ Recent head trauma or prolonged exposure to loud noise (e.g., during renovations or at karaoke bars);
✅ Over 50 years of age with underlying medical conditions such as hypertension or diabetes (vascular problems should be screened).

Daily relief tips: Stay away from noise: wear headphones less (volume not exceeding 60%, duration not exceeding 1 hour); use earplugs for protection in noisy environments; adjust work and rest: ensure 7 hours of sleep, avoid staying up late (staying up late will aggravate insufficient blood supply to the inner ear); relax: try mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, and reduce “excessive attention to tinnitus” (the more you fear it is loud, the more likely it is to “show its presence”); gently massage the area around the ears: use the tip of your index finger to gently press the ear gate, Tinggong, and Yifeng points (the depression in front of the tragus and behind the earlobe) for 3 minutes each time to promote blood circulation.