What Causes the Ringing in My Ears?

What Causes the Ringing in My Ears?

Tinnitus is a persistent noise or ringing sound in the ears. Tinnitus is more common that one would think, affecting 1 out of 5 people. Although tinnitus can be very bothersome, it is usually not a sign of anything serious. Tinnitus is actually not a condition but rather a symptom of an underlying condition such as an ear injury or hearing loss.

Some of the most common causes of Tinnitus include the following:

• Exposure to loud noise: Short term exposure to loud music such as a rock concert can cause temporary hearing loss as well as tinnitus. Long term exposure to loud noises such as heavy equipment or machinery, jet engines or firearms can cause more permanent hearing damage.
• Otosclerosis: A hereditary disorder that causes abnormal bone growth in the middle ear and can affect your hearing and cause tinnitus.
• Head or Neck Trauma: Injuries to the head and neck can cause inner ear problems, affect the hearing nerves and the brain function that controls hearing.
• Excessive Ear Wax: When ear wax builds up it can block the ear canal and it becomes difficult for the body to get rid of the wax naturally. The blockage can cause eardrum irritation and hearing loss which can lead to tinnitus.
• Age-related hearing loss: As we age our hearing sometimes begins to fade and can cause tinnitus. This is particularly prevalent in patients over age 60
• Medications: Antibiotics, anti-depressants, cancer medications and diuretics have all been known to cause or worsen tinnitus symptoms.

Only a visit to see a qualified physician can determine what is causing the tinnitus. If you have tinnitus or a persistent ringing in your ears, the best thing to do is see an ear doctor in Broward or an ENT physician. Broward Sinus Doctors and Audiologists can perform a few in office tests to find out the underlying cause of the tinnitus.

To find out more about treatments for tinnitus or to request an appointment with the Audiology Team call Odalys Alfonso at (954) 389-1414 or fill the short form below.