What's That Constant Ringing in My Ear?

Our days are filled with all sorts of sounds, including ringing, buzzing, and beeping from our computers, phones, and other electronic devices. But what if you hear ringing on a regular basis, even when electronics are nowhere near? Then you might have a chronic auditory condition called tinnitus.

Tinnitus is a condition that causes you to hear sounds internally — sounds no one else can hear. The type of sound you hear (and its volume) can vary, and can include things like ringing, buzzing, clicking, hissing, humming, or even roaring noises. The sounds you hear are rarely audible to your doctor during an exam.

At ENT Specialists, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating tinnitus, helping patients find relief from continual buzzing, hissing, and ringing sounds. Here, learn why tinnitus happens  and how we can help relieve those annoying symptoms.

Understanding tinnitus

Tinnitus is extremely common. Some research estimates about 10 million people suffer from it at any given time. 

Despite how common it is, though, medical researchers don’t fully understand why it happens. They have identified several potential factors that contribute to tinnitus and its symptoms, including:

• Exposure to loud noises
• Hearing loss
• Certain medications, including some antidepressants, antibiotics, and NSAIDs
• Ear infection
• Fluid trapped in the ear
• Earwax buildup
• Inner ear disorders
• Jaw joint issues
• Head or neck injuries
• Aneurysm
• Hypertension or vascular disorders
• Tumors
• Chronic conditions, like migraines, thyroid problems, or diabetes

Some people have “idiopathic” tinnitus — tinnitus that develops for no identifiable reason.

Tinnitus researchers believe underlying factors cause damage to the inner ear, causing tiny specialized cells inside your ear to send abnormal signals to your brain. In turn, your brain “hears” these signals as sounds, even when no external sound is present. 

Tinnitus may also occur when the “sound center” in your brain interacts in abnormal ways with other parts of your brain, or when age or other issues lead to hearing loss.

Treating tinnitus

Our team is skilled in diagnosing the cause of abnormal sounds, including tinnitus and its symptoms. Prior to recommending tinnitus treatment, our team reviews your symptoms and your medical history, then performs an exam of your ear and sometimes your hearing. They may order imaging tests, like CT scans, as well.

After your evaluation, we develop a treatment plan based on the underlying cause of your symptoms. That might include treating an ear or sinus infection, removing earwax deposits, or recommending a change in your medications. If our team suspects a vascular problem, they can refer you to a doctor who specializes in blood vessel problems.

When an underlying cause can’t be identified, our team can help you manage your symptoms with therapies tailored to your symptoms and lifestyle. Many people benefit from “sound therapy” using white noise machines or hearing aids to help suppress or mask sounds for greater comfort. Behavioral therapy may help, too, particularly if tinnitus is causing anxiety.

Find relief for your tinnitus symptoms

Tinnitus can take a toll on your hearing and your quality of life, but, fortunately, we can help. If you’re ready to find relief for your tinnitus symptoms, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at ENT Specialists in Salt Lake City, Murray, Draper, and Tooele, Utah, today.