Many people experience ringing, buzzing or humming in their ears at some point. For some, it occurs after being in a noisy environment, but eventually subsides; this is a warning sign that the ears have been exposed to excessive noise. For others, it’s a persistent sound that interferes with daily life. This phenomenon is known as tinnitus, and it can affect one or both ears.
Tinnitus isn’t a condition in itself but a symptom of something else happening within the hearing system. Understanding what might be causing it and when to seek help can provide peace of mind and guide you towards the right treatment.
What does tinnitus sound like?
People with tinnitus may describe it in different ways. It can sound or feel like:
- A constant ringing or high-pitched tone
- A humming, buzzing or whistling noise
- A pulsing or throbbing sensation in time with the heartbeat (pulsatile tinnitus)
The sound might be soft or loud, occasional or continuous. For some people, it’s only noticeable in quiet environments, while others find it disruptive day and night. Often, tinnitus may get worse at night.
Common causes of tinnitus
Several things can trigger or contribute to tinnitus. Some are temporary and resolve quickly, while others may need specialist care.
Exposure to loud noise
Listening to loud music, attending concerts or working in noisy environments can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear. This damage can trigger tinnitus, often alongside hearing loss.
Impacted ear wax
A build-up of wax in the ear canal can interfere with hearing and trigger tinnitus. One of the most common causes is the use of cotton buds or other objects to try to remove wax. Instead of helping, these often push the wax further inside, causing it to become impacted. In most cases, safe removal by a specialist quickly resolves the problem.
Age-related hearing loss
As we get older, natural changes in the inner ear can lead to hearing loss and tinnitus. This is one of the most common causes of tinnitus.
Ear infections
Both outer and middle ear infections can cause inflammation and fluid build-up. This changes the pressure inside the ear and may result in temporary tinnitus. Once the infection has been treated and the inflammation settles, the tinnitus often goes away, too.
Medical conditions
Some health conditions, such as high blood pressure and thyroid disorders, can affect blood flow or inner ear function. This might cause tinnitus. Managing your condition with the support of your doctor may help alleviate your tinnitus.
Some medications
Certain medicines, including some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs and high doses of aspirin, may irritate the inner ear and trigger ringing sounds.
Discussing changes or adjustments to your medication with your doctor can often be helpful.
When should I see a specialist?
Brief or occasional ringing in the ears is usually nothing to worry about.
However, it’s important to seek medical advice if you have:
- Tinnitus that lasts for more than a few weeks
- Tinnitus in only one ear
- Hearing loss, dizziness or problems with balance
- Tinnitus that pulses in time with your heartbeat
An ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist can carry out a detailed examination, which may include hearing tests or scans, to find out what’s causing your symptoms.
How is tinnitus managed?
There isn’t a single cure for tinnitus, but many people find ways to manage it and improve their quality of life. The right approach depends on what is causing or worsening your symptoms.
Addressing underlying causes
If tinnitus is linked to a specific issue – such as earwax buildup, an ear infection, or a condition like high blood pressure – managing that issue can often relieve the tinnitus as well.
Hearing support
When tinnitus is linked to hearing loss, hearing aids can make a significant difference. They amplify everyday sounds, which helps take the focus off the internal noise. This can also make conversations clearer.
Sound therapy
Background noise can reduce the contrast between tinnitus and silence, making the condition less noticeable. This might involve listening to soft music, white noise or using special devices that play gentle masking sounds.
Therapies for coping
Living with tinnitus can be frustrating, especially when it interferes with sleep or concentration. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other forms of talking therapies can help. These focus on changing how people think about and respond to tinnitus, making it easier to live with.
Lifestyle adjustments
Simple changes may help manage tinnitus more easily. These include:
- Managing stress
- Reducing caffeine and alcohol
- Protecting ears from loud noise
These small steps can all help reduce flare-ups and make tinnitus less intrusive.
Book an appointment with an ENT specialist
If you’re concerned about ongoing ringing in your ears, consulting a specialist is the best way to receive clear answers and tailored support.
Early assessment can help identify the cause and prevent symptoms from worsening. And, with the right guidance, tinnitus can usually be managed so that it no longer dominates your day-to-day activities.
Mr Wale Olarinde is a Consultant ENT and Head and Neck Surgeon based in Sheffield, Chesterfield and South Yorkshire. He has extensive experience in diagnosing and managing tinnitus, hearing loss and other ear conditions.
Book your appointment with Mr Olarinde today for expert care and tailored treatment options.