Al Ain: A specialist clinic has been launched at Al Ain Hospital promising advanced diagnosis and cure to tinnitus sufferers.
The condition, which causes a buzzing sound in the ear, is believed to be growing due to excessive use of headphones. Patients suffer more in quiet environments, particularly in bed at night.
"This is the first dedicated multi-disciplinary clinic in the UAE to treat tinnitus," said George Jepson, CEO of Al Ain Hospital.
Not a disease
The clinic has been launched as part of the hospital's ENT (ear, nose, and throat) Department.
Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom that can result from a wide range of underlying causes, Jepson said.
Causes include abnormally loud sounds in the ear canal for even the briefest period, ear infections, foreign objects in the ear, nasal allergies that prevent or induce fluid drain, and wax build-up.
Professor Gerard Schwab, medical director of Al Ain Hospital, said: "With so many gadgets now having in-ear headphones, there is an increased risk of tinnitus.
"This is a common cause of tinnitus when volume is set beyond moderate levels."
While the most common cause of tinnitus is noise-induced hearing loss, it can also be caused through ageing, as a side effect of some medications, or through congenital hearing loss, Professor Schwab said.
