Tele-triage for Ringing in Ears (Tinnitus) in Children

Audience: pediatric

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a common symptom that children may experience. It often feels like a buzzing, hissing, or ringing sound without an external source. While tinnitus can be temporary and harmless, it sometimes signals an underlying issue that needs medical attention. Telemedicine can help evaluate your child's symptoms quickly and safely from home. During a tele-visit, a healthcare provider can gather important information about the ringing, possible causes, and related symptoms. They can advise if home care is appropriate or if your child needs to see a specialist in person. Early evaluation is important to ensure your child's comfort and health. This guide helps you understand when telemedicine is suitable for tinnitus in children and when to seek urgent care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden hearing loss or difficulty hearing in your child — seek emergency care immediately.
• Tinnitus accompanied by dizziness, balance problems, or weakness — get urgent in-person evaluation.
• High fever, severe ear pain, or swelling around the ear with tinnitus — seek prompt medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild or new tinnitus symptoms.
• Providing advice on symptom monitoring and home care.
• Determining if urgent in-person evaluation is needed.
• Answering questions about tinnitus causes and management.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical ear examination or hearing tests.
• Diagnosing serious infections or neurological conditions.
• Providing emergency care for sudden hearing loss or severe symptoms.
• Prescribing certain medications that require in-person assessment.

What is Tinnitus in Children?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound, like ringing or buzzing, when no external noise is present. In children, it can be caused by ear infections, earwax buildup, exposure to loud noises, or other health conditions. Sometimes, children may not describe the sound clearly, so careful observation and questions help in understanding their experience.

When to Use Telemedicine for Tinnitus

Telemedicine is useful for initial evaluation if your child has mild or new tinnitus without other serious symptoms. A healthcare provider can ask about the sounds, check for recent illnesses, and guide you on home care. This approach can save time and reduce exposure to other illnesses.

Signs That Need In-Person Care

If your child has tinnitus accompanied by hearing loss, dizziness, ear pain, fever, or neurological symptoms like weakness or difficulty speaking, they need urgent in-person evaluation. These signs may indicate infections or other serious conditions requiring physical examination and tests.

Common Causes of Tinnitus in Children

Common causes include ear infections, impacted earwax, exposure to loud noises, head injuries, or side effects of medications. Sometimes, stress or anxiety can also contribute. Identifying the cause helps guide treatment and management.

Managing Tinnitus at Home

If the healthcare provider advises home care, steps may include avoiding loud noises, reducing stress, and monitoring symptoms. Avoid inserting objects into the ear. Follow any specific instructions given during the tele-visit.

When to Follow Up

If tinnitus persists for more than a few weeks, worsens, or new symptoms develop, follow-up with your healthcare provider is important. They may recommend hearing tests or referral to specialists like an audiologist or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a quiet place for the tele-visit to hear your child clearly.
• Note when the tinnitus started and how it sounds (ringing, buzzing, etc.).
• Observe and report any other symptoms like ear pain, fever, or dizziness.
• Have a list of any medications your child is taking.
• Be ready to describe any recent illnesses, injuries, or loud noise exposures.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with the healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on home care and symptom monitoring.
• Schedule in-person visits if recommended or if symptoms worsen.
• Avoid loud noises and protect your child's ears from further damage.
• Keep track of any changes in symptoms and report them promptly.
• Ensure your child avoids inserting objects into the ears.
• Seek emergency care immediately if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can tinnitus in children go away on its own?

Yes, tinnitus often improves or resolves on its own, especially if caused by temporary factors like ear infections or noise exposure. However, persistent or worsening tinnitus should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Is tinnitus a sign of hearing loss in children?

Tinnitus can be associated with hearing loss, but not always. If your child has difficulty hearing or the tinnitus is persistent, a hearing evaluation may be recommended.

Can loud noises cause tinnitus in children?

Yes, exposure to loud noises, such as loud music or fireworks, can cause temporary or sometimes lasting tinnitus. Protecting your child's ears from loud sounds is important.

Should I clean my child's ears if they have tinnitus?

Avoid inserting objects into your child's ears. If earwax buildup is suspected, a healthcare provider can safely evaluate and manage it. Improper cleaning can worsen symptoms or cause injury.

When should I seek emergency care for my child's tinnitus?

Seek emergency care if your child has sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, weakness, difficulty speaking, high fever, or severe ear pain along with tinnitus.

Sources

1. Tinnitus — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Tinnitus in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Tinnitus Information — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Tinnitus Overview — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child has concerning or worsening symptoms, seek care from a healthcare provider promptly.