Ear tinnitus is a disorder in which the sufferer hears sounds or experiences vibrations that originate from the inside of the ear rather than the outside world. The sounds can range from ringing, whooshing, hissing, whistling, and buzzing sounds to humming, chirping, whistling sounds. The sounds can vary in nature and magnitude from person to person. The disease is not fatal. However, in certain cases, it creates problems in the daily life of the sufferer, which are not easy to bear.

Causes of ear tinnitus
The underlying causes of ear tinnitus differ from person to person and play an important role in ear tinnitus treatment. The majorly observed causes have been listed below.

• Blockage in the ear
  A blockage serves as an obstruction in the ear and might lead to Ear Tinnitus.
• Ear Infections
  The development of an infection in the ear, especially fungal infection, has been observed as a major contributor to the ringing of ears.
• Tumor
  A tumor or cyst might act as a blockage and lead to the generation of different sounds inside the ear.
• Accumulation of earwax
  This is one of the most common reasons that make a lot of people fall the victim to ear tinnitus.
• Prolonged exposure to high sound
  Listening to music at high volumes or exposing your ears to any loud sound for long durations can lead to the development of the disorder.
• Presbycusis
  It refers to the hearing impairment that people face due to the natural phenomenon of aging, which can induce ringing sensations in the ear.
• Otosclerosis
  The abnormal hardening of bones of the ear can also be a cause of this disease.
• Medications and medical conditions
  The use of certain drugs can trigger the disease; moreover, certain medical conditions like muscle spasms, multiple sclerosis, and Meniere’s disease can lead to the development of ear tinnitus.

Symptoms of ear tinnitus
There are a number of signs and symptoms that are experienced by the people who suffer from ear tinnitus. While the symptoms may vary in different patients, certain generally observed symptoms are as follows:

• Different sounds from the inside of the ear
• Pain in the ear
• Vibrations in the eardrum
• Problems related to sleep
• Inability to concentrate
• Decreased hearing
• Psychological disorders like depression, anxiety, fear, and stress
• Unusual discharge from the ear

Diagnosis of ear tinnitus
Due to varying symptoms observed in patients, the diagnosis of ear tinnitus is not an easy task. However, the correct revelation of your symptoms to your doctor would help to diagnose the problem at an early stage. With the use of advanced medical technology, certain tests can be performed that can help determine if the person is suffering from ear tinnitus. These tests include loudness match test, stethoscopic examination, pitch match test, and a visual analog scale test. At the same time, all the medications that you have been on will help you diagnose the disorder.

Ear tinnitus treatment
Like the causes and symptoms of ear tinnitus extend to a wide range, ear tinnitus treatment is carried out on the basis of the underlying cause of the problem and the complications and issues involved. Ear tinnitus treatment is generally done in one or a combination of the following ways:

• Hearing aids
  If a person suffers a loss in  hearing  due to the ringing in ears, doctors can rely on hearing aids as ear tinnitus treatment.
• Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
  It makes use of sound masking coupled with cognitive behavioral therapy for ear tinnitus treatment. It aims at making the person able to ignore the abnormal sounds that might interfere with his health and daily routine.
• Tinnitus masking
  It refers to the use of sound suppression devices. These are special devices that produce their own signals to suppress the sounds originating from your ear.
• Sound generating machine
  It has been observed that people are more likely to hear the sounds in their ear when they are in a quiet environment. Thus, installation of certain machines or objects that would generate peaceful sounds is considered to be an effective ear tinnitus treatment.
• Surgery
  In the case of a tumor, cyst, deformation of bone, or calcium deposition, you might have to undergo a surgery to get rid of the problem.
• Removal of earwax
  If the accumulation of earwax is the reason for your problem, the ear tinnitus treatment includes the removal of earwax and a thorough cleaning of the ear.
• Infection treatment
  If you have been hearing things due to an infection in your ear, the doctor can use medicines and antibiotics for your ear tinnitus treatment.
• Medications
  Although the medications are not directed to treat the disorder, they can help in suppressing the problems, like pain and anxiety, that occur due to ear tinnitus.

Precaution is truly better than cure. You are thus advised to take necessary precautions to avoid the condition from developing. Furthermore, if you notice the symptoms of the disorder, make sure to consult your doctor. Upon discovering that you suffer from it, the ear tinnitus treatment must be carried out meticulously.