Tinnitus refers to a condition in which people develop a ringing, buzzing, whistling or roaring sound in one or both ears. The Mayo Clinic says that tinnitus is actually a common problem that affects one out of every five people. Sometimes, tinnitus can be due to an underlying medical condition. But the causes of ringing of the ears can be managed.
Age-related Hearing Loss
Age-related hearing loss, medically known as presbycussis, is a condition that occurs as a normal part of aging. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that specific symptoms of age-related hearing loss include ringing in the ears, trouble hearing (especially in noisy venues) and voices which sound mumbled or slurred.
There is no exact cause for age-related hearing loss, but risk factors for it include having a family history, having repetitive exposure to loud noises and smoking.
Treating this condition involves using hearing aids and telephone amplifiers to help with hearing. A cochlear implant, sign language and lip reading can also be used to help with hearing loss.
Otosclerosis
MedlinePlus indicates that otosclerosis refers to a growth of bone in the middle part of the ear. It states that otosclerosis is the most frequent cause of hearing loss in young adults, and it affects 10 percent of the United States population.
Typically, this medical condition is associated with such symptoms as ringing in the ears and gradual hearing loss. Sometimes, hearing can be better in noisy environments.
The cause for otosclerosis is unknown. However, this medical problem may actually run in families. Risk factors for developing this condition include pregnancy and being Caucasian.
At times, treatment for otosclerosis may not be necessary because this can actually exacerbate the problem. Drugs such as oral fluoride, vitamin D or calcium may be taken to help manage symptoms of otosclerosis. A hearing aid can be beneficial in managing this condition. In some instances, surgery may be necessary.
Wax Blockage
Wax blockage, medically known as cerumen impaction, is a condition in which ear wax is stuck in the ear canal. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that symptoms of wax blockage include ringing or other noises in the ear, hearing loss and ear fullness.
Some people just make more ear wax than normal, and this can be issue as well.
Treating wax blockage involves softening the hardened ear wax with such substances as mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin and commercial drops. Also, water can be flushed into the ear to help remove the wax. This is a method called irrigation. Sometimes, suctioning the ear canal or using a special instrument (curette) to remove the ear wax may be used.
