Ringing In My Ears
Clinically referred to as tinnitus, ringing in the ears is an annoyance, and for some people, it is a long term problem. If you have ringing in your ears, then you may be concerned that something is wrong. In most cases, it isn’t anything serious, but it is important to understand the causes and management.
Tinnitus is usually defined as hearing a high pitched ringing sound, a buzzing, or even clicking sounds in the ears. Sometimes, the ringing will be constant for days and sometimes it will come and go, only lasting for a few minutes. It is actually caused by a wide variety of different issues.
The causes of tinnitus may include:
Exposure to Loud Sounds
Temporary tinnitus can be caused by irritation to the ear when you have been exposed to very loud sounds.
This can include:
- Going to a concert
- Doing yard work without the proper equipment
- Using firearms
- Being exposed to explosions
Usually, after exposure to loud sounds, ringing in the ears only lasts for a few hours or a day or two at the most.
Infection
- A middle ear infection can often cause tinnitus for the duration of the infection itself. The middle ear includes the auditory tube, which can become inflamed if germs get trapped in it. These infections are most common in children, but they can occur in adults as well.
Medication
- There are some medications that will cause hearing loss and tinnitus if they are used for the long term. The medications are often referred to as ototoxic and they can cause permanent damage. The most common of these, which is used regularly, is aspirin. Long term use of high dose aspirin can lead to ringing in the ears.
Migraines
- Occasionally, people will have chronic migraines that affect the ear instead of the head or vision. These migraines can cause dizziness and vertigo as well as tinnitus.
Blood Flow Problems
- Those who have anaemia or high blood pressure may also experience ringing in the ears during certain times of the day. This type is often referred to as pulsatile tinnitus because the ringing seems to coincide with the heartbeat.
There are so many different things that can cause tinnitus, if you are experiencing the ringing in your ears the best thing to do is visit an ENT. Without a diagnosis, you won’t be able to find out if your tinnitus can be treated. In some cases, it can be managed through changes in lifestyle or medication.
If you have questions about tinnitus or ears ringing contact your local doctor, who will arrange for you to see an Ear Nose Throat Specialist.