Is it normal to have tinnitus when quiet?

Tinnitus at rest is an abnormal condition and may be associated with factors such as otitis media, sensorineural tinnitus, or Ménière’s disease, requiring symptomatic treatment.

1. Otitis Media

When inflammatory factors from conditions like otitis media, purulent secretions, or fluid accumulation irritate the inner ear, they can cause abnormal electrical discharges in the inner ear hair cells, resulting in a humming or buzzing sound. This noise is typically more noticeable in quiet environments. Timely treatment of the underlying condition is necessary to effectively control symptoms of otitis media.

2. Sensorineural Tinnitus

Sensorineural tinnitus refers to the perception of various sounds—such as wind, crickets, or waves—by patients in the absence of any external sound source. If persistent tinnitus occurs, hearing function tests should be performed at a hospital to evaluate vestibular function. Once the cause is identified, medications such as mecobalamin tablets or oryzanol tablets, which nourish the nerves, may be taken as directed by a physician.

3. Ménière’s Disease

Ménière’s disease often presents with tinnitus at rest, accompanied by rotational vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sensation of fullness in the ear. Diagnostic evaluations including audiometry, vestibular function testing, and electrocochleography are recommended. As prescribed by a doctor, medications such as promethazine hydrochloride tablets or diphenhydramine hydrochloride tablets—neurological depressants—may be used.

In addition, hypertension can also cause tinnitus during quiet periods. If any of the above conditions occur, prompt medical evaluation is essential to identify the underlying cause and actively cooperate with treatment to avoid delaying recovery.