Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the sensation of sound, ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whooshing, that has no external source. It affects the inner ear and auditory pathways, and ranges from a mild background nuisance to something intrusive enough to disrupt sleep and concentration. It is extremely common across Asia, where noise exposure from dense urban environments in cities like Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manila is a significant contributing factor.
Medicine used to treat Tinnitus
What lies behind the ringing
Most tinnitus originates in the inner ear. Reduced blood flow or fluid pressure changes in the cochlea disrupt how sound signals reach the brain. The same mechanisms behind Meniere’s disease, fluctuating inner-ear fluid pressure, often produce both tinnitus and vertigo together. Other triggers include prolonged noise exposure, age-related hearing change, ear infections, and certain medicines.
Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause where possible. Betahistine works by improving microcirculation in the inner ear and reducing excess fluid pressure, making it useful when tinnitus is tied to vestibular or inner-ear conditions. For tinnitus with a neurological component, broader support may be found through the neurology category.
Persistent or sudden-onset tinnitus accompanied by hearing loss, dizziness, or tinnitus in only one ear warrants a medical review, as these can occasionally signal a treatable underlying cause.