What is the ringing in my ears?
In most cases, the ringing in your ears is tinnitus. Tinnitus is often a sign of another issue, like an ear injury or age-related hearing loss. Also, tinnitus doesn’t always cause ringing — you could also hear phantom noises like:
- Buzzing
- Clicking
- Hissing
- Humming
- Roaring
The pitch of your phantom noises can vary and you might hear the sounds in one or both of your ears. It might also be so loud it disrupts your ability to hear external sounds or concentrate.
There are two different types of tinnitus: subjective and objective. If you have subjective tinnitus, only you can hear the phantoms sounds. However, if you have objective tinnitus, others can hear the ringing, even Dr. Ali when he examines your ears.
What causes the ringing in my ears?
Several factors can contribute to tinnitus. For example, inner ear hair damage is a common cause of the ringing in your ears. You have tiny, delicate hairs in your inner ears that move with soundwaves and release the electric signal that travels through your auditory nerve to your brain, allowing you to hear. When these hairs are damaged, they send irregular signals that cause the phantom sounds.
Other common causes of tinnitus include:
- Age-related hearing loss
- Exposure to loud noises
- Earwax blockages
- Ear bone changes
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Head and neck injuries
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
- Circulatory problems
- High blood pressure
Meniere’s disease also causes tinnitus. Meniere’s disease is an inner ear problem caused by abnormal ear fluid pressure.
When should I talk to a doctor about tinnitus?
It’s always worth mentioning abnormal symptoms like tinnitus to your doctor. You should schedule an appointment with Dr. Ali promptly if you develop tinnitus suddenly or with an upper respiratory condition. Also, if you experience dizziness or hearing loss with tinnitus, you should make an appointment right away.
How is tinnitus treated?
Dr. Ali and his team provide comprehensive exams and tests to identify the cause of the ringing in your ears. When possible, they offer treatments to address the underlying cause of your tinnitus. Additionally, Dr. Ali and his team provide honest counseling and advice on how to cope with your symptoms and reduce the impact that tinnitus has on your quality of life.
If you have ringing in your ears, call Dr. Ali's office or make an appointment online today.
