Ringing in the ear, also known as tinnitus, is typically a symptom of some other disorder or damage to the ear. Ringing can be a short-term problem or one that lasts for years. It can come and go or may be a continual sound. Treating ringing in the ears generally involves determining the cause and addressing that problem first, although sometimes the cause can be difficult to pinpoint.
Noise Exposure
Exposure to loud noises causes hearing damage that can present itself as a ringing in the ear. Individuals who work with heavy machinery often encounter tinnitus stemming from noise exposure. Loud music played through headphones is an increasingly common source as personal music players continue to grow in popularity.
Aging
Ringing in the ears is often linked to age-related hearing loss. Many people begin to experience bouts of tinnitus after age 60, and these may become progressively worse as the person gets older.
Blood Vessel Issues
High blood pressure and low blood pressure can both affect the blood vessels supplying the auditory system and cause ringing in the ears. Cardiovascular disease may also affect the blood vessels around the ears and lead to ringing sounds. Malformed capillaries and turbulent blood flow are other blood vessel issues that can cause tinnitus.
Ear Wax Buildup
Occasionally, ear wax will build up in the ear and overwhelm the ear's natural ability to clear it out. This can lead to ringing in the ear until the blockage is cleared.
Infections
Ear infections of the inner or middle ear may lead to temporary or permanent tinnitus. These can include labyrinthitis, otitis media or colds, flu and allergies, which may lead to a Eustachian tube dysfunction in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked by mucus and inflammation.
Diseases
Diseases and disorders in the ear or in other parts of the body may include tinnitus as a symptom. Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, diabetes, Meniere's disease, Lyme disease and thoracic outlet syndrome are all disorders that can cause ringing in the ear.
Medications
Some medications may affect the ears and cause ringing. People who take high doses of aspirin may find that they are experiencing occasional tinnitus. Other drugs linked to ringing ears include antibiotics, diuretics, quinine, Chloroquine and some cancer medications.
Brain Problems
Rarely, a serious problem in the brain may cause ringing in the ears. Tumors, injuries to the head that affect the brain and aneurysms are potential causes of tinnitus. Benign tumors on the auditory nerves connecting the brain and ear may also be a cause.
