Home › ENT Conditions in Gangnam, Seoul

Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears) Care in Gangnam, Seoul

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, MD · Board-certified otolaryngologist · Former professor, Yonsei & Ajou University · Consultations in English

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is hearing a sound that does not come from the outside world. People describe it as ringing, buzzing, hissing, humming, whistling or clicking. It may be constant or intermittent, in one ear, both ears or "in the head." Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease: it usually reflects changes in the hearing system, with the brain amplifying neural activity when input from the ear is reduced.

Most tinnitus is subjective, heard only by the patient. Rarely it is pulsatile, beating in time with the heartbeat, which needs specific investigation.

Tinnitus is very common, and most people notice brief episodes at some point. For a smaller group it becomes persistent and bothersome. The loudness of tinnitus often matters less than how much attention and worry it attracts, which is why explanation is part of treatment.

Symptoms and impact

• Persistent or intermittent internal sound
• Difficulty concentrating or sleeping, especially in quiet rooms
• Associated hearing loss or sound sensitivity
• Stress, irritability or anxiety about the noise

Common causes

• Age-related hearing loss and noise-induced hearing loss
• Earwax impaction or middle ear fluid
• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss
• Meniere's disease, with roaring tinnitus, fullness and vertigo
• Jaw (TMJ) and neck muscle problems
• Certain medications, high caffeine intake, stress and poor sleep
• Rarely, a vestibular schwannoma or vascular abnormality

How it's diagnosed at our Gangnam clinic

Dr. Kim asks about the character of the sound, which ear, when it started and any noise exposure, and examines the ears and eardrums. A hearing test is essential, because most tinnitus is associated with some degree of hearing loss, often unnoticed. Tympanometry assesses middle ear function. One-sided tinnitus, asymmetric hearing loss or pulsatile tinnitus may need MRI or vascular imaging, arranged by referral.

Treatment options

Treat any underlying cause

Removing impacted wax, treating middle ear fluid or managing sudden hearing loss promptly can improve or resolve tinnitus.

Managing chronic tinnitus

• Explanation and reassurance: understanding tinnitus reduces fear and the attention the brain gives it
• Sound enrichment: background sound, apps or white noise, especially at night
• Hearing aids: often reduce tinnitus awareness when hearing loss is present
• Cognitive behavioral therapy: has good evidence for reducing tinnitus distress
• Lifestyle: regular sleep, stress management, limiting caffeine and protecting ears from noise

No pill reliably cures tinnitus, so be cautious of products promising a cure.

When to see an ENT

See an ENT for tinnitus lasting more than a few weeks or affecting sleep and mood. Seek prompt care for tinnitus in one ear with sudden hearing loss, pulsatile tinnitus, tinnitus with vertigo, or tinnitus with facial weakness or other neurological symptoms.

Seeing Dr. Kim in English

Explaining tinnitus clearly is half of the treatment. Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, a board-certified ENT who taught at Yonsei and Ajou universities, is a rhinology subspecialist who manages all ear, nose and throat conditions, and he discusses tinnitus in plain English. See our English-speaking ENT guide for appointment tips.

Frequently asked questions

Will my tinnitus go away?

Tinnitus after a loud event or ear infection often fades. Chronic tinnitus may persist, but most people find it becomes much less noticeable over time with explanation, sound enrichment, hearing aids if needed and good sleep. Treating any underlying cause can help.

Is tinnitus a sign of something serious?

Usually not. Most tinnitus is linked to hearing changes. However, tinnitus in one ear, pulsatile tinnitus, or tinnitus with sudden hearing loss or vertigo should be evaluated promptly to rule out less common causes.

Why is my tinnitus worse at night?

In a quiet room there is less background sound to mask tinnitus, so the brain notices it more. Using a fan, soft music or a white-noise app at bedtime often helps. Stress and fatigue can also make tinnitus seem louder.

This page is general medical information written and reviewed by an ENT specialist. It is not a diagnosis. Symptoms differ between people — please see a doctor for an examination. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.