Brief Answer:
The humming noise is known as Tinnitus.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. The humming noise is known as Tinnitus. Almost all people at some point in their lives experience Tinnitus. Tinnitus does not have a cure, however, it may be controlled. How severe is your Tinnitus on a scale of 1 to 10 for each ear?

2. Get a PTA (Pure Tone Audiogram) done. You may also get your middle ear pressures checked (Impedance Audiometry or Tympanometry).

3. You have not mentioned your age or whether you have any other medical conditions or not. I have noticed patients who have increased Tinnitus when they are stressed, have fluctuations of blood pressure, low Haemoglobin, low blood sugar levels and so on. These conditions need to be ruled out.

4. The exact cause of Tinnitus is unknown. However one of the agreed pathologies is damage or loss of hair cells in the inner ear. The role of the brain in the perception of Tinnitus also exists. For example, some people have been relieved of Tinnitus after a cerebral stroke, while some continue to hear it even after the Cochlear (Hearing) Nerve is cut.

5. What is your exposure to occupational noise and loud music/earphones/ XXXXXXX phones? Exposure to loud noise is also a leading cause for tinnitus.

6. If your Tinnitus increases on clenching the teeth, it may require dental bite correction or use of a Night Guard (Dental Splint). Also check if the humming noise is pulsatile (vascular).

7. Cochlear Synaptic Tinnitus may be treated in up to 50% of people with Caroverine infusion followed by capsules for two months. Other treatments such as transtympanic steroids, Gingko Biloba, vinpocetine, multi-vitamins, and anti-oxidants may also help in reducing Tinnitus.

8. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) after Tinnitus matching on a high-frequency audiometer can be now done with computer software and special high-frequency headphones if the Tinnitus is in the higher frequencies.

9. Kindly let me know the results of your investigations. This will help in suggesting further treatment.

10. I must emphasise that in the vast majority of patients of tinnitus, the cause is never found. However, there are further treatment options depending on the type of tinnitus.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

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