Overview
What is tinnitus?
In the bustling heart of Nairobi, the sounds of the city are constant engines, chatter, and the rhythmic beat of life. But for some, there’s a sound that doesn’t fade when the world goes quiet. Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears without an external source. It’s not a disease but a symptom that something is affecting the auditory system which includes the ear, the auditory nerve, and parts of the brain that process sound.
The experience varies. Some hear a steady high-pitched tone, others a buzzing, humming, or clicking. For certain people, the sound is occasional and barely noticeable. For others, it can become an unrelenting distraction, affecting work, sleep, and mental well-being.
Possible Causes
What is the main cause of tinnitus?
The most common cause of tinnitus is prolonged exposure to loud noise. In African cities with vibrant nightlife and increasingly busy industrial zones, consistent high-decibel environments can slowly damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear. Once damaged, these cells can’t be repaired, and the brain begins to generate phantom sounds to compensate for the lack of sensory input.
Other causes include age-related hearing loss, ear infections, wax build-up, and conditions affecting blood vessels near the ear. Certain medications especially some antibiotics, anti-malarial drugs, and high doses of aspirin can also trigger or worsen tinnitus. In rare cases, it may be linked to more serious underlying health issues.
Care and Treatment
How is tinnitus treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. If it’s earwax, safe removal can restore silence almost instantly. If medication is the culprit, your healthcare provider might adjust the dosage or suggest alternatives. For noise-related or age-related cases, sound therapy, hearing aids, and cognitive behavioral therapy can help manage symptoms and reduce their impact on daily life.
The reality is, there’s no universal cure, but many people find strategies that significantly improve their quality of life.
What is the best way to deal with tinnitus?
Managing tinnitus often involves a combination of approaches. Using background noise like soft music or white noise machines can mask the ringing. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques help reduce the stress that often amplifies symptoms. Staying physically active and ensuring you get adequate sleep can also keep the condition from dominating your day.
What are the possible complications of untreated tinnitus?
Left unchecked, tinnitus can lead to chronic stress, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and in some cases, anxiety or depression. For people whose work demands high focus — such as healthcare workers, educators, or drivers these complications can have serious consequences.
Can tinnitus be prevented?
Prevention starts with protecting your hearing. Limit exposure to loud environments when possible, and use ear protection in noisy workplaces or during concerts. Keep the volume moderate when using headphones and avoid prolonged use. Maintaining good cardiovascular health and managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can also lower your risk.
When To Call the Doctor
When should I see a healthcare provider about ringing in my ears?
If the ringing starts suddenly, is only in one ear, or is accompanied by dizziness, hearing loss, or pain, seek medical advice promptly. Persistent tinnitus that interferes with your concentration, work, or sleep should also be evaluated. Early intervention can sometimes prevent worsening symptoms.
Additional Common Questions
Can you live a long life with tinnitus?
Absolutely. Tinnitus itself isn’t life-threatening. Many people live long, healthy lives with it by learning effective coping strategies and addressing any underlying conditions.
What is tinnitus a warning of?
Tinnitus can sometimes signal an underlying health issue such as hearing loss, circulatory problems, or a jaw joint disorder. While it’s not always a sign of something serious, persistent symptoms should be investigated.
Will tinnitus go away?
For some, tinnitus resolves when the cause is treated — for example, removing wax or discontinuing a certain medication. For others, especially when linked to long-term hearing damage, it may be permanent but manageable.
What should I avoid?
Avoid prolonged exposure to loud noise, excessive caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, as these can worsen symptoms. Be cautious with overuse of certain medications known to affect hearing.
Foods to avoid with tinnitus
Some people find that salty foods, processed sugar, or high amounts of caffeine increase their perception of ringing. Reducing these in your diet may help minimize flare-ups.
FAQs
Can tinnitus be cured?
There’s no one-size-fits-all cure, but many treatments can help reduce its impact. The key is identifying and managing the underlying cause.
Can tinnitus cause headaches?
Yes. For some, the constant noise can lead to tension headaches or worsen existing migraine conditions.
Published 1st September 2025
References
Mayo Clinic – Tinnitus: Diagnosis & Treatment. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350162
Healthline – Tinnitus and Headache. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/tinnitus-headache
Cleveland Clinic – Tinnitus. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/14164-tinnitus