New Delhi: A constant ringing, buzzing or whistling in the ears may seem like a minor irritation, but doctors warn it could signal more than just hearing trouble. In some cases, tinnitus, a common complaint worldwide, is actually a symptom of a hidden neurological condition, in which a blood vessel presses against the auditory nerve and silently damages hearing.Tinnitus affects an estimated 10-15% of adults globally, and in 1-2% cases, it becomes severe enough to disrupt daily life. While more common in adults over 40 due to age-related hearing loss, younger people exposed to loud music, gaming headsets or noisy workplaces are also reporting such symptoms. Causes range from earwax blockages and sinus infections to high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, certain medications and stress.At Delhi’s PSRI Hospital, a 24-year-old woman illustrated just how serious tinnitus can be. She was losing her hearing for over a decade and constantly heard a whistling sound in both ears. An MRI scan revealed a rare neurovascular conflict: a blood vessel, anterior inferior cerebellar artery, was pressing against her auditory nerves on both sides, interfering with signals and causing hearing loss, tinnitus and imbalance.The neurosurgery team performed a microvascular decompression, gently shifting the artery away and cushioning the nerve with a Teflon sponge. Her hearing improved the very next day. “This case is a reminder that hearing loss is not always permanent. If diagnosed correctly, advanced surgical techniques like microvascular decompression can restore hearing and eliminate tinnitus or vertigo within days. Awareness is key — early recognition of symptoms can prevent years of suffering,” said Dr Dhruv Chaturvedi, director of neurosurgery at PSRI Hospital.The patient initially came for a cochlear implant, but ENT specialist Dr LM Parashar spotted the vascular loops in her MRI. “Instead of rushing into an implant, we referred her to neurosurgery. The results after decompression were immediate and gratifying, and she has now opted for the same surgery on the other ear,” he said.Doctors, however, stress that surgery is rarely needed. “For most people, tinnitus can be managed without an operation,” said Dr Rushil Puri, ENT and head and neck surgery consultant at Apollo Spectra Hospital. Non-surgical options include hearing aids, sound therapy, relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioural therapy and tinnitus retraining therapy. Managing underlying conditions, such as controlling blood pressure or removing earwax, along with lifestyle changes like cutting down on caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and excess salt, can also help.
