Basics
Ringing in the ears, also called tinnitus, is a symptom that often is associated with various forms of hearing loss. The condition is characterized by a persistent or occasional internal ringing, hissing, roaring or clicking sound, report doctors at the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Tinnitus also can be a symptom of other conditions, such as trauma from loud noises, an adverse reaction to medication; or damaged blood vessels, allergies or tumors and other diseases. While more than 25 million Americans have experienced ringing in the ears, most cases pass in a short time when the originating condition is cleared. For others, the ringing is so severe that it interferes with daily activities.
Medications
The NIDCD reports that more than 200 medications can cause tinnitus. The most common culprits are antibiotics and cancer medications. Diuretics, or water pills, and medicines used to treat malaria have been known to cause this problem. Excessive use of aspirin, more than 12 pills per day, also is a common cause of tinnitus. The ringing caused by medications usually dissipates when the drug is discontinued.
Noise
Sensitive hair cells in the ear canals can be damaged by excessive noise. Noise-induced hearing loss often starts with ringing in the ears as a constant symptom. Once the hearing structures have been damaged, they cannot be repaired. Tinnitus can be caused by a single, intense sound, such as an explosion or gunshot. The condition also can develop over time from exposure to loud power tools, machinery or music. The NIDCD reports that exposure to loud sounds, those higher than 85 decibels, can lead to ringing in the ears and eventual hearing loss. Distance from the sound and duration of the exposure also play important roles in the development of the condition. The ringing may be experienced in one or both ears. Noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus, which are completely preventable, can affect people of all ages. Vocational and recreational activities, ranging from target shooting to playing in a band or attending rock concerts, can cause the condition.
Blood vessel disorders
Pulsatile tinnitus is caused by blood vessel disorders, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Tumors that press against nerves in the head can create a ringing sound in the ears. Artherosclerosis, or blocked arteries, sometimes causes the blood to pump harder to push it through the arteries that are clogged because of a build-up of plaque from fatty deposits, and high cholesterol and calcium levels. Major blood vessels in the inner ear can lose their flexibility because of the plaque and cause ringing in both ears. High blood pressure that is caused by stress, caffeine, hypertension or alcohol can create temporary tinnitus. When the carotid artery in the neck becomes narrow, it can create turbulent blood flow that leads to ringing.
