Ringing in the ears or tinnitus is a condition in which you experience noises in your ears that no one else can hear. It can be a ringing sound or resemble a hissing, chirping, clanging or whistling type noise. Currently there is no cure for this condition which can be mild or disabling. In some patients the symptoms come and go, while for others, the sounds are constant. Understanding the causes of ringing in the ears will help you to take steps to prevent and manage this condition.
Exposure to Loud Noises
According to the American Tinnitus Association, there is no one known cause for tinnitus; however, there are situations which can increase your risk of developing this condition. One is constant exposure to loud sounds. This can include music or sounds in your place of employment or environment. Sounds that are rated above 85 decibels can damage cells within your ears, and lead to both ringing in the ears and hearing loss. This includes average traffic sounds which are rated at 85 dB, hairdryers are rated around 100 dB, rock concerts are at 120 dB and jackhammers are around 130 dB. The ATA suggests wearing headphones if you will be exposed to sounds that are 85 dB and above.
Medical Conditions
Certain diseases can also cause ringing in the ears. This includes thyroid problems, Lyme's disease, fibromyalgia, allergies, ruptured ear drum, ear infections, a wax buildup in the ear and tumors. If you have heart disease, the sounds you hear in your ear may be due to high blood pressure. Stress and depression may also contribute to this condition. Head, neck and jaw injures can also cause tinnitus and, in some cases, hearing loss and tinnitus occur simultaneously. The National Institutes of Health state that your tinnitus may actually be a warning sign or symptom of another condition, versus being a condition in itself. If this is the case, your tinnitus may resolve if the underlying medical condition is successfully treated.
Medications
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders states that there are over 200 medications that may cause ear damage as a side effect, while others cause tinnitus without causing physical damage. The Mayo Clinic states that this can include antibiotics, cancer drugs, high blood pressure medications and high doses of aspirin.
