Why has Seeti’s voice come to my ears: Many people sometimes hear a slight ringing, buzzing or whistling sound in their ears. Often people consider it a minor problem and ignore it. But according to health experts, tinnitus can sometimes be a sign of a major health problem.

Dr. Neha Sood, ENT and Cochlear Implant Director at BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital, explains that tinnitus is a condition in which sounds are heard in the ears even without any external sound. This sound can be like a bell, whistle, buzz or humming. This problem can occur in one ear or both ears and sometimes lasts for a short period of time, while in some people it persists for a long time. But it should not be ignored.

Not just a sound but a signal (What Cause Tinnitus)
According to the doctor, tinnitus is not a disease in itself, rather it can be a symptom of some problem in the hearing system. Some common reasons for this include exposure to loud noises (such as loud music, headphones or machines), hearing loss with age, ear infections or accumulation of wax, side effects of some medicines, excessive stress and poor lifestyle. Apart from this, sometimes it can also be a sign of problems related to the nervous system or blood vessels.

Why shouldn’t tinnitus be ignored?
The problem may increase with time. The noise may be mild in the beginning and can become more and more bothersome later on. In such a situation, problems affecting the quality of life like anxiety and stress, sleep problems and depression may increase.

When should one see a doctor?
According to the expert, if you occasionally hear a whistling or loud ringing sound in your ears which gets cured after some time, then there is no need for checkup. But immediately consult a doctor if the sound in the ears persists for more than a few weeks, the sound is sudden or very loud, accompanied by dizziness or hearing loss. For treatment, the doctor may suggest sound therapy, changes in lifestyle or treatment of the original disease.