Ringing in the ears

About Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, humming, roaring, or other noise in your ear. You might hear it in only one ear or in both. The pitch or sound might change, and it can come and go.

Usually only the person with tinnitus can hear the sound. It can be caused by:

Too much ear wax
Loose hair from the ear canal
An ear infection
Spasms of the muscles in your ear
Certain medications
Tumors

Certain health conditions and lifestyle factors can also cause tinnitus. They are:

Thyroid problems
High blood pressure
Stress
Fatigue
Poor diet
Lack of exercise
Noise exposure

Tinnitus can be an early warning sign of hearing loss, so tell your doctor about any ringing or noises in your ears.

Treatment

Depending on what is causing your tinnitus, your doctor might be able to help you stop the noise in your ears. If not, you can cope with the annoyance through:

Meditation and relaxation exercises
Hearing aids
Medication
Counseling
Cochlear implants or electrical stimulation
Sound therapy, like white noise
Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
TMJ treatment

Some people find their tinnitus is less of a problem if they:

Avoid loud sounds and noises
Control their blood pressure
Reduce salt in their diet
Avoid caffeine and tobacco
Exercise daily
Get enough rest
Try to ignore the noise

Our Physicians

Rex ENT Specialists can help you deal with tinnitus. Dr. John A. Garside, M.D., specializes in treating ear, nose and throat disorders in adults and children.