Tinnitus/ringing in the ears is a problem that affects millions of people globally. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, about 50 million Americans are diagnosed with some form of tinnitus.
Tinnitus is a condition that causes a ringing or a buzzing sound in one or both ears. This sound is internal and cannot be heard by other people. For some people, the sound comes and goes, and for others, it can be a permanent source of irritation.
What are the causes of tinnitus?
There are so many underlying health conditions that can cause ringing in the ears. Some common ones are as follows:
- Ear infections
These are the simplest reasons why you may have a ringing in the ears. When the ear is infected, there is a build-up of fluid in the ears, and this blockage can lead to pressure changes that cause a ringing sound. - Blocked ears
Another one of the common causes of tinnitus/ringing in the ears is blocked ears. This also leads to pressure changes and a ringing sound. - Aging
As people age, the tiny hair in the inner ear that helps electrical signals travel from the ear to the brain get damaged. As a result, the ear starts sending abnormal electrical signals to the brain, resulting in ringing in the ears. - Exposure to loud sounds
Just like aging damages the tiny hair in the inner ear, constant exposure to loud sounds can also damage these signal transmitters. People with occupational exposure to loud sounds end up with tinnitus/ringing in the ears over time. - Accidents and injuries
Accidents and injuries to the neck or brain can damage the ability of the ear to send signals to the brain. This can lead to abnormal signaling and a resultant buzzing noise. - Otosclerosis
A condition that causes the stiffening of the bones in the ear. - Consumption of certain medications
Medicines such as antibiotics, antidepressants, and anti-inflammatory drugs can cause ear buzzing as a temporary side effect. - Conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes
Health conditions, including high blood pressure or diabetes, can cause nerve damage, leading to blood flowing forcefully through the blood vessels. This can intensify tinnitus/ringing in the ears.
What are the warning signs?
There are warning signs when it comes to tinnitus/ringing in the ears, and when you notice any of the ones listed below, you should consult an ENT specialist right away. This would help to prevent permanent damage to the ear canal.
- A high-pitched ringing noise in one or both of the ears.
- A buzzing, roaring, clicking, or hissing sound in one or both of the ears.
- A gentle buzzing sound in tranquil places.
- A ringing in the ears when lying down.
How to treat the condition?
Determining and treating the cause of tinnitus/ringing in the ears is the best way to resolve this health issue. Some of the steps involved in the treatment process would be as follows.
- Removing any blockages in the ear
If your doctor identifies ear wax or other substances blocking the canal, the first thing to do is to remove the block. This will solve the problem in most cases. - Treating the underlying condition
Seeking treatment for conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes could help to get rid of tinnitus. - Using hearing aids
Hearing aids might help treat age-related tinnitus. - Stopping or changing medications
If certain medicines are causing a ringing sensation in the ears, changing or stopping them might help. Speak to your doctor before making any changes or stopping prescribed medicines. - Using preventive aids
If tinnitus is permanent and cannot be cured, doctors could suggest using an in-ear masking device to reduce the ringing sound.
Over time, tinnitus can cause stress, anxiety, and depression. It also makes you more prone to headaches and affects your ability to concentrate on a task. If you feel you are hearing a buzzing sound often, talk to your doctor.
