Tinnitus Specialist in Singapore

Tinnitus is defined as the perception of sound in the ears without an external source, which is commonly described as ringing, buzzing, or whistling. Our clinic provides specialised care for tinnitus management.

This condition ranges from mild, occasional episodes to persistent symptoms that can interfere with daily activities, sleep patterns, and overall quality of life. The perceived sounds can occur in one or both ears, with varying intensity and frequency throughout the day.

doctor img
Dr Gan Eng Cern

MBBS

MRCS (Edin)

mmed (orl)

FAMS

ENT Specialist for Tinnitus Relief in Singapore ENT Specialist for Tinnitus Relief in Singapore
ENT Specialist for Tinnitus Relief in Singapore ENT Specialist for Tinnitus Relief in Singapore

Symptoms of Tinnitus

Individuals with tinnitus may experience different types of sounds and varying levels of severity. The common symptoms include:

  • Phantom Sounds: The most frequent symptom involves hearing sounds without external sources. These can include ringing, buzzing, clicking, hissing, or roaring noises.
  • Sound Pattern Changes: The perceived sounds may be constant or intermittent, with volume levels that fluctuate throughout the day or in different environments.
  • Hearing Difficulties: Some individuals experience difficulty hearing actual sounds or conversations, particularly when background noise is present.
  • Sleep Disturbances: The phantom sounds often become more noticeable in quiet environments, leading to difficulties falling or staying asleep.
  • Concentration Issues: The persistent sounds can interfere with focus and attention during daily tasks or work activities.

Causes and Risk Factors

Tinnitus can develop from various underlying conditions and environmental factors. The primary causes and risk factors include:

 

  • Noise Exposure: Prolonged exposure to loud sounds, particularly in industrial settings or through personal audio devices, can damage the auditory system and trigger tinnitus.
  • Age-Related Hearing Loss: Tinnitus development is frequently accompanied by natural hearing loss with age, which typically begins around the age of 60.
  • Ear Infections: Bacterial or viral infections affecting the middle ear can cause inflammation and lead to temporary or persistent tinnitus.
  • Cardiovascular Conditions: High blood pressure or narrowed arteries can affect blood flow to the inner ear, potentially causing tinnitus.
  • Medications: Certain antibiotics, aspirin, diuretics, and cancer medications can damage the inner ear, resulting in tinnitus as a side effect.
  • Head or Neck Injuries: Trauma to the head, neck, or ear can affect the auditory system and trigger tinnitus symptoms.
  • Earwax Blockage: Excessive earwax accumulation can irritate the eardrum and cause tinnitus symptoms.

Types of Tinnitus

The classification of tinnitus helps determine the appropriate treatment approach and expected outcomes. The main types include:

Subjective Tinnitus

This common type, accounting for 95% of cases, occurs when only the patient hears the sounds. It often arises from issues in the outer, middle, or inner ear, or the auditory pathways. Causes include noise exposure and age-related hearing loss. Treatment typically addresses underlying conditions and symptom management.

Objective Tinnitus

This rare form allows both the patient and the physician to detect the sounds with appropriate instruments. It often stems from blood vessels, muscle contractions, or bone conditions near the ear. Causes, such as vascular abnormalities or middle ear issues, are often identifiable and treatable.

Pulsatile Tinnitus

This type aligns with the patient’s heartbeat, producing rhythmic sounds matching the pulse. It may indicate vascular conditions or blood flow irregularities near the ears. Medical imaging can help identify causes, including arterial abnormalities, raised intracranial pressure, or vascular tumours.

Dr Gan's inspecting patient's ear Dr Gan's inspecting patient's ear

Diagnostic Methods

  • Physical Examination: The ENT doctor examines the ears, head, and neck, checking for visible abnormalities, inflammation, or earwax blockage. This examination includes using an otoscope to view the ear canal and eardrum, while also assessing jaw movement and neck mobility.
  • Audiological Assessment: A hearing test measures hearing ability at different frequencies and identifies any hearing loss patterns. The doctor also evaluates the type and severity of tinnitus through specific tinnitus matching tests and questions about how tinnitus affects daily life.
  • Imaging Studies: A CT scan or MRI may be required if the physical examination reveals structural abnormalities. These tests can detect tumours, blood vessel abnormalities, and other structural issues that may cause tinnitus.
  • Blood Tests: Blood work helps identify underlying conditions that may contribute to tinnitus, such as thyroid problems, anemia, or vitamin B12 deficiency.

Treatment Options

The treatment approach for tinnitus varies based on the underlying cause, type, and severity of symptoms.

Non-Surgical Treatment

  • Sound Therapy: This treatment uses external sounds to mask or reduce the perception of tinnitus. Patients may use white noise machines, smartphone apps, or wearable sound generators that provide background sounds at specific frequencies to minimise tinnitus awareness.
  • Hearing Aids: For patients with hearing loss, properly fitted hearing aids can improve hearing and often reduce tinnitus symptoms. Modern hearing aids may include built-in sound generators specifically designed for tinnitus management.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps patients develop coping strategies and change their reaction to tinnitus sounds. Sessions focus on restructuring negative thoughts about tinnitus and learning relaxation techniques to reduce stress-related symptom amplification.
  • Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): TRT combines counseling and sound therapy to help the brain reclassify tinnitus as neutral rather than disturbing. Treatment typically spans 12-24 months and aims to reduce both tinnitus awareness and its impact on daily life.

Surgical Treatment

  • Vascular Surgery: For objective tinnitus caused by vascular abnormalities, surgical correction of blood vessel issues may alleviate symptoms. This can involve repairing arterial malformations or removing tumours that disrupt normal blood flow.
  • Middle Ear Surgery: When tinnitus results from middle ear conditions such as otosclerosis, surgical intervention may help alleviate symptoms. For example, in otosclerosis, a stapedectomy is performed to replace or repair the fixed stapes bone with a prosthesis, restoring normal sound transmission. These procedures aim to improve hearing and indirectly reduce tinnitus by addressing the underlying condition rather than targeting the tinnitus directly.

Are Your Symptoms Affecting Your Quality of Life?

Consult our MOH-accredited specialist for an accurate diagnosis & personalised treatment plan today.

human head showing sinus structure

Prevention and Management

Managing tinnitus includes lifestyle adjustments to protect and support auditory health. Using ear protection in noisy environments, keeping headphone volumes at safe levels, and having regular hearing check-ups can help prevent or minimise tinnitus. Stress management techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, may reduce tinnitus awareness. Additionally, avoiding substances like caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, which can affect blood flow, may help lessen symptoms.

For Singaporeans & Singapore Permanent Residents

Medisave & Insurance Shield Plan approved

Your ENT procedure may be eligible for Medisave claims, with the claimable amount varying based on the procedure’s complexity. For additional options, including the use of your insurance or Integrated Shield Plan, reach out to our friendly clinic staff today for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can tinnitus resolve on its own?

Temporary tinnitus, often caused by exposure to loud noise or ear infections, may resolve independently within a few days or weeks. However, chronic tinnitus typically requires professional evaluation and management strategies to minimise its impact on daily life.

Can certain foods or drinks affect tinnitus?

Some people notice changes in their tinnitus symptoms after consuming specific substances. Caffeine, alcohol, and high-sodium foods may increase tinnitus intensity in some individuals by affecting blood flow and nerve sensitivity in the inner ear.

What happens if tinnitus is left untreated?

Untreated tinnitus may lead to increased stress, anxiety, sleep problems, and difficulty concentrating. While it may not cause physical harm, the psychological impact can affect quality of life and daily functioning.

Dr. Gan picture

Dr Gan Eng Cern

MBBS

MRCS (Edin)

mmed (orl)

FAMS

With over 15 years of experience, Dr Gan specialises in the comprehensive management of a broad range of conditions related to the ear, nose and throat (ENT), and head and neck.

Dr. Gan has contributed to the academic field as a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. He is recognised for his extensive research work, with numerous contributions to reputable international ENT journals. Dr Gan is also highly sought after as a speaker and has shared his surgical knowledge as a surgical dissection teacher at various prominent ENT conferences and courses.

  • 2020 – Reader’s Choice Gold Award for Best ENT Specialist (Expat Living Singapore)
  • 2016 – Best Educator Award (Eastern Health Alliance)
  • 2016 – “Wow” Award (Patient Compliment)
  • 2014 – Eastern Health Alliance Caring Award – Silver
  • 2014 – 19th Yahya Cohen Memorial Lectureship (awarded by the College of Surgeons, Academy of Medicine Singapore for best scientific surgical paper)
  • 2012 – Human Manpower Development Award (Ministry of Health, Singapore)
  • 2007 – Singhealth Best Doctor Award

Qualifications

  • MBBS – Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia)
  • MRCS (Edin) – Member of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, United Kingdom
  • MMed (ORL) – Master of Medicine in ENT (National University of Singapore)
  • FAMS – Fellow of the Academy of Medicine Singapore
Dr Gan performing sinus procedure

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    A Specialist Clinic for Sinus, Snoring & ENT

    38 Irrawaddy Road #08-45
    Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
    Singapore 329563

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