Written by Dr Ameen, ENT Specialist Kuala Lumpur
It usually starts quietly.
A faint eeeeee in the background. Or maybe a soft hiss. Like a leaking pipe, except it is not. It is in your ear. Or your head. Hard to tell sometimes.
Now, many people in Malaysia brush it off. “Ala, normal lah.” And yes, often it is. But not always. That is where it becomes a bit tricky, and honestly, a bit unsettling too.
So what exactly is tinnitus?
In simple terms, it is hearing a sound that has no external source. No fan. No traffic. Just sound.
It can come and go. Or stay.
One ear. Both ears.
High-pitched, low hum, even a pulsing beat. That last one tends to worry people, and understandably so.
Some say it sounds like insects at night. Others compare it to old TV static. I once had a patient describe it as a kettle that never boils. Strange description, but quite accurate.
How common is this really?
More common than people admit.
Roughly, about 1 in 10 adults will experience tinnitus at some point. Maybe more in cities like Kuala Lumpur. Noise, stress, late nights, kopi habits. Life here is rarely quiet.
Causes? It is not just one thing
Tinnitus is not a disease. It is a sign that something may be going on.
Sometimes it is simple:
- Earwax buildup. Yes, the one people try to clean themselves. Not a great idea.
- Loud environments such as concerts or prolonged earphone use
- Age-related hearing changes
Other times, it is less straightforward.
- Sudden hearing loss. This one needs urgent attention
- Inner ear conditions such as Meniere’s disease
- Rare cases like acoustic neuroma
- Pulsatile tinnitus, which may relate to blood flow
Not to alarm you, but also not something to ignore without thought.
When should you actually worry?
This part is important.
If the ringing:
- Starts suddenly, especially with hearing loss
- Occurs only on one side
- Follows your heartbeat
- Comes with dizziness or imbalance
- Lasts more than a few weeks
Then it is best not to wait. Get it checked.
Early action can make a real difference. Delays sometimes complicate things more than necessary.
Stress and lifestyle. Do they really matter?
Yes. Quite a lot.
The brain plays a big role in how tinnitus is experienced. When you are stressed, tired, or not sleeping well, the sound feels louder. More noticeable. Harder to ignore.
It is not always that the ear is worse. The brain just pays more attention to it.
Common triggers locally include:
- Too much caffeine. Teh tarik counts
- Long hours with earphones
- Poor sleep habits
- Work stress
Managing these may not remove tinnitus completely, but it can help reduce how much it bothers you.
How do we check it?
In clinic, it is fairly straightforward.
Usually involves:
- A detailed history. Yes, quite a few questions
- Ear examination to look for wax or infection
- Hearing tests
In some cases, scans like MRI are needed. Not for everyone. Only when something seems unusual.
Treatment or management?
There is no single cure that switches tinnitus off instantly.
What we do is identify the cause when possible and manage the symptoms.
Options include:
- Removing earwax or treating infections
- Steroids for sudden hearing loss, if caught early
- Sound therapy such as background noise
- Tinnitus retraining therapy
And then lifestyle adjustments:
- Reduce caffeine and nicotine
- Improve sleep
- Manage stress
Results vary. Some improve quickly. Others take time. A few learn to cope with it rather than eliminate it.
Will it go away on its own?
Sometimes, yes.
If it is due to temporary causes like loud noise or blockage, it may settle.
But if it persists, do not ignore it. Waiting too long is a common mistake.
When should you see an ENT in Malaysia?
If it is affecting you, it is worth checking.
Especially if:
- It lasts more than 2 to 3 weeks
- It affects sleep or daily focus
- It comes with hearing loss or dizziness
Better to get clarity early than to keep guessing.
About the Author
Dr Ameen is an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialist based in Kuala Lumpur. He holds an MB BCh BAO (Hons) from Ireland and a Master of Otorhinolaryngology from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
He has undergone extensive training and has served in major tertiary institutions, including Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Hospital Tunku Azizah Women and Children Hospital, where he managed a broad spectrum of ENT conditions in both adults and children, such as ear disorders, sinus disease, throat conditions, and vertigo.
Dr Ameen currently practices at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity and Columbia Hospital Setapak as a sessional ENT Consultant. His clinical approach is centred on precise diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and clear, patient-focused communication.
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