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Ear & Hearing

Why Are My Ears Ringing?

A patient-friendly overview of why are my ears ringing?, when an ENT evaluation may be useful and which questions to discuss with a qualified specialist.

Man in pain covering his ears

Many people experience ringing in their ears for a small amount of time, but some people have had this symptom for weeks or even months. If you are suffering from these symptoms and want to know why your ears are ringing, then read on!

A loud concert

Exposure To Loud Sounds

There are many reasons why your ears can be ringing. One reason is exposure to loud sounds for a long period of time, such as going to a concert or using power tools without ear protection. After being exposed to so much noise, the tiny hairs in our inner ear become damaged and begin to send a ringing noise to our brains.

Concussions

Another reason your ears could be ringing is if you have had a concussion. When the brain moves quickly back and forth inside the skull, it can cause damage to the delicate cells in our inner ear that control hearing and balance. This type of injury can also cause vertigo, dizziness, and nausea.

A woman cleaning out her ear wax

Ear Wax

A common, but often overlooked, reason for ringing ears is ear wax build-up. Ear wax is a natural substance that our bodies produce to protect the delicate skin of our ears from dirt and other particles. However, if too much ear wax accumulates, it can block the ear canal and cause hearing loss. This will then trigger the brain to produce a loud noise in an attempt to help us hear.

Medications

Another reason for ringing ears is certain medications, such as blood pressure medication and aspirin. These types of drugs can cause a condition called tinnitus where you hear noises that aren’t really there or your ears are making these sounds because they cannot process sound correctly.

There are many reasons why your ears may be ringing. If you are having this issue, it is best to consult with an E.N.T. doctor to determine the root cause. Once the cause is identified, then appropriate treatment can be administered. If you have chronic ringing in your ears, then be sure to contact Light E.N.T. to schedule your appointment today!

General information only. This article is not a diagnosis or a substitute for care from a qualified medical professional. If symptoms are sudden, severe or concerning, seek timely medical attention.

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