"Eeeee—"
It feels like an abrupt attack on the ears
A sudden cicada-like chirping
A sharp, strange noise from a speaker
A sound only you can hear
Instantly isolating you from the world
This is
tinnitus—the perception of sound (e.g., buzzing, ringing, hissing) in the absence of an external source. Some patients may also experience hearing loss or vertigo.
Should I Just Endure Temporary Tinnitus?
While most tinnitus resolves spontaneously, some cases persist for hours or longer. Studies show that chronic tinnitus can lead to:
Sleep disturbances
Cardiovascular dysfunction
Elevated blood pressure/blood sugar
Anxiety or depression
Certain types of tinnitus may signal early hearing loss, often accompanied by deafness.
How to Determine the Severity of Tinnitus?
Self-assess using this scale. Tinnitus acts as a "siren" for health risks—the louder the "alarm," the higher the danger.
Grade 0: No tinnitus
Grade 1: Occasional, non-distressing tinnitus
Grade 2: Persistent tinnitus, worse in quiet environments
Grade 3: Tinnitus persists even in noisy settings
Grade 4: Tinnitus with impaired focus and sleep issues
Grade 5: Severe tinnitus disabling work capacity
Grade 6: Suicidal tendencies due to unbearable tinnitus
What to Do About Tinnitus?
Transient tinnitus (lasting minutes/hours without vertigo or ear fullness): Likely triggered by stress, fatigue, or poor sleep. Improve mood and rest.
Persistent/recurrent tinnitus: Seek immediate medical evaluation. Tests include:
Otoscopy: Check for cerumen impaction or ear canal issues.
Audiometry: Assess hearing loss or inner/middle ear abnormalities.
Common Ear Conditions Linked to Tinnitus:
Cerumen impaction
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Otitis media
Psychological Management Matters:
Avoid panic or excessive fear. Stay calm and seek professional help proactively.
How to Prevent Tinnitus Scientifically?
Healthy Ear Habits:
Clean ears properly (refer to "Is Cleaning a Child’s Ears a Mistake for Being Too Clean?").
Dry ears promptly after water exposure.
Use headphones wisely (refer to "Headphones Isolate People but Invite Otitis Media...").
Avoid prolonged noise exposure.
Balanced Lifestyle:
Prioritize sleep, quit smoking, limit alcohol, eat nutritiously, and exercise to boost immunity.
Balanced Mental State:
Manage stress and anxiety through relaxation techniques.
Scientific Health Awareness:
Avoid self-medicating with antibiotics for infections; follow medical guidance.
Schedule regular hearing checkups.
Enduring invisible noise alone
Is an unspeakable agony for tinnitus sufferers.
Take action now to silence tinnitus.
Protect your ears, understand tinnitus scientifically.
Eliminate the noise, reclaim your purest hearing.
