Tinnitus is a common term used to describe the sensation of an abnormal noise in the ear, such as buzzing, ringing, roaring or hissing. In 2009, almost 23 million adult Americans had tinnitus for more than 3 months, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Many health conditions and diseases can cause buzzing in the ears.
Meniere's Disease
Meniere's disease is a disorder thought to be the result of altered properties of the fluid in the inner ear such as the pressure, chemical composition and volume of the fluid, according to MayoClinic.com. Potential causes of Meniere's disease include allergies, genetics, head trauma and viral infection.
Symptoms of Meniere's disease include a low-pitched buzzing, hearing loss, vertigo and a feeling of pressure in the ear, reports MayoClinic.com. Episodes of the disease can occur with interspersed times of remission. The symptoms and severity of symptoms can vary from one episode to the next.
Earwax
Earwax, or cerumen, provides protection, antibacterial properties and lubrication for the ears, explains the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. Without earwax, the ear canal may become itchy and dry. Earwax is formed in the outer portion of the ear canal. Old earwax naturally works its way out.
Earwax against the eardrum occurs when the ear is cleaned with objects such as cotton-tipped applicators that push the wax deeper. Symptoms that could indicate impacted earwax include partial hearing loss, tinnitus, earache and itching.
Otosclerosis
Otosclerosis, an abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, prevents the ear from having the vibrating response to sound waves that makes hearing possible. Otosclerosis, which affects about 10 percent of the people in the United States, is the most frequent cause of young adult middle ear hearing loss, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Tinnitus and hearing loss are common symptoms of otosclerosis. Treatment may include medications to help control hearing loss, a hearing aid or surgery to replace the stapes with a prosthesis. Complications from otosclerosis can include total deafness, infection and dizziness.
Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can lead to a stroke, heart failure and early death. Possible symptoms include ear buzzing, headache, confusion, fatigue and irregular heartbeat, according to MedlinePlus.
Risk factors for experiencing high blood pressure are increased by obesity, kidney disease, a history of hypertension during pregnancy or a family history of elevated blood pressure. Medications that can affect high blood pressure include steroids, diet pills, nasal decongestants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
