Why Are My Ears Ringing? Causes of Tinnitus Explained

That ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears is frustrating. You’re not alone. Tinnitus, the perception of sound when there is no external sound, occurs in millions of people. At Vernose & McGrath ENT, we understand how tinnitus can get in the way of living. As ear, nose, and throat doctors, we’re here to help you sort out what may be behind the tinnitus and guide you toward effective treatments. We offer many options and can even be your go-to ENT doctor in Marlton, NJ.

Understanding Tinnitus: More Than Just Ringing

Tinnitus is not a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying condition. What you hear can vary considerably from person to person. It might be a high-pitched ringing, a low rumbling, clicking, buzzing, or even a musical note. It can be constant or intermittent and involve one or both ears.

While the exact mechanisms of tinnitus are still being researched, it’s believed to be caused by abnormal activity in the auditory cortex, the part of the brain that deals with sound. A broad variety of potential factors can cause the abnormal activity, so one must identify the cause in order to treat it effectively.

Common Causes of Tinnitus

Several factors can contribute to the development of tinnitus. Here are some of the most common:

• Hearing Loss: This is one of the most frequent culprits. Age-related hearing loss and noise-induced hearing loss can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to tinnitus. The brain, deprived of its usual auditory input, may generate its own signals, resulting in the perception of sound.
• Noise Exposure: Loud noises, whether from concerts, machinery, or firearms, can cause temporary or permanent tinnitus. A single, intense exposure can cause immediate damage, while prolonged exposure to moderate noise levels can gradually lead to problems. Protecting your hearing with earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments is crucial.
• Ear Infections and Blockages: Infections in the middle ear can cause inflammation and pressure that can trigger tinnitus. Similarly, a buildup of earwax or other obstructions in the ear canal can also lead to the perception of phantom sounds.
• Meniere’s Disease: This inner ear disorder is characterized by episodes of vertigo (dizziness), hearing loss, and tinnitus. Meniere’s disease affects the fluid balance in the inner ear, disrupting normal auditory function.
• Medications: Certain medications, including some antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and even high doses of aspirin, can have tinnitus as a side effect. If you suspect that your medication is causing tinnitus, talk to your doctor.
• Head and Neck Injuries: Trauma to the head or neck can damage the inner ear, auditory nerves, or brain regions involved in sound processing, leading to tinnitus.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Problems with the TMJ, the joint connecting the jaw to the skull, can sometimes cause tinnitus due to its proximity to the ear.
• Vascular Issues: In rare cases, tinnitus can be caused by blood vessel abnormalities near the ear. These abnormalities can create pulsatile tinnitus, a rhythmic pulsing sound that often corresponds to the heartbeat.
• Stress and Anxiety: While stress and anxiety don’t directly cause tinnitus, they can certainly exacerbate it. When stressed, your body releases hormones that can affect blood flow to the inner ear, making tinnitus more noticeable.

Less Common, But Important Causes

While the above are more common, it is also good to be aware of less common causes. For example, Eardrum perforation can cause ear ringing and needs to be treated immediately. Also, chronic ear disease can have long-term hearing consequences and cause tinnitus. If you find yourself experiencing frequent tinnitus, it’s a good idea to get a complete workup to rule out these less common, but treatable, causes.

When to Seek Help From Vernose & McGrath ENT

While infrequent, short-term tinnitus is benign, ongoing tinnitus requires a visit to the experts at Vernose & McGrath ENT. We can perform a complete hearing test and other diagnostic tests to determine the reason for your tinnitus.

During your consultation, we will take a full medical history from you, examine your ears with an otoscope, and conduct a hearing test to estimate the extent of any hearing loss. Further testing, such as an MRI or CT, could be recommended to rule out other causes in certain cases.

We’ll develop a personalized treatment plan to help you manage your tinnitus based on our findings. Treatment options may include:

• Hearing Aids: If you have hearing loss, hearing aids can amplify external sounds, making tinnitus less noticeable.
• Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): This therapy uses sound therapy and counseling to help you habituate to your tinnitus, making it less bothersome.
• Sound Masking Devices: These devices play white noise or other soothing sounds to mask the tinnitus.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can help you manage the emotional distress associated with tinnitus and develop coping strategies.
• Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to treat underlying conditions contributing to tinnitus.

Don’t let tinnitus control your life. Call Vernose & McGrath ENT today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards relief. Our board-certified ENTs are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care and helping you reclaim your hearing health and sense of well-being.