What Causes Ringing In My Ears?

For some, it is a vague hiss that persists throughout the day. For others, it’s an annoying, high-pitched whistle. In certain cases, it may even be a short sound similar to music. It can even resemble crickets or ocean waves.

But in all cases, the sound doesn’t stop. It may cease temporarily, but it comes back.

If this situation is familiar, then you want to know ‘what causes ringing in my ears?’ and even more importantly, how can you get it to stop with help from one of our ear, nose and throat specialists in Myrtle Beach and Horry County.

For a century, Conway Medical Center has been the leading provider of compassionate care for those in the Conway, Myrtle Beach and Horry County areas. We’ve received extensive recognition for healthcare excellence, and our leading ear, nose and throat doctors help both adults and children with ENT issues. 

“What Causes Ringing in My Ears?” It’s Called Tinnitus and It Affects Millions

If you’re frustrated and anxious due to the consistent ringing in your ears, know that you are not alone.

Ten percent – or roughly 25 million – of American adults experience tinnitus. Out of those, 2 million experience tinnitus to the extent that it is debilitating.

Some Quick Facts About Tinnitus

• Tinnitus doesn’t always manifest itself as a “ring.” Tinnitus can cause different sounds, such as hissing, whistling or buzzing.
• The noise from tinnitus is not from an external source. That means it’s a subjective noise.
• If you have tinnitus and experience ringing in the ears, you will be the only one who hears it. 
• There’s no cure for this condition, but through targeted, advanced treatment from our ENTs, we can significantly relieve your symptoms. 

What’s The Source of the Ringing in My Ears?

First, we recognize that all patients are different, and the causes of tinnitus may not be the same. Remember, tinnitus isn’t a disease itself. Instead, it’s a sign that there is an underlying health problem. Usually, these issues center around nerve damage to the ear and auditory symptoms. It’s also associated with hearing loss.

By answering the following questions, you can give us clues to the cause behind your hearing loss so we can create a treatment uniquely tailored to your needs.

• Have you experienced hearing loss? (If you’re not sure, we invite you to take a hearing test).
• Have you had a head or neck injury?
• Are you frequently congested with sinus pressure?
• Do you have TMJ?  A type of jaw joint disorder? 
• Have you had a traumatic brain injury?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with a tumor?
• Have you recently experienced a rapid change in air pressure (such as when scuba diving)?
• Have you taken ototoxic medications? Tinnitus can be a side effect of some medications, called ototoxic medications. If you’re not sure if you’ve taken an ototoxic medicine, simply bring your list of medications and information on your past medical history to your appointment, and we will answer your questions. 

If you answer yes to any of these, you need to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider who can provide a referral to our ENTs in Horry County or to the appropriate specialist who can help you. 

How Will You Treat My Tinnitus?

We know that relief is your first priority—tinnitus is exhausting, and its effects transform every aspect of your life. 

As we mentioned earlier, every patient is different, but the following are some treatments that may help:

We Can Help You Suppress Noise

Have you tried a white noise machine? We’ve found that often, anything that creates a relaxing, non-distracting sound can provide relief.  If you don’t have a white noise machine, you can also try fans, humidifiers and air conditioners.

We can also prescribe masking devices. Similar to hearing aids, they fit in the ear and produce low-level white noise that helps suppress the ringing, buzzing or other sounds caused by tinnitus.

These are very conservative approaches to finding relief, and that’s why they are usually the first line of treatment. 

If Needed, We Can Prescribe Hearing Aids

Did you know that hearing loss is one of the main causes of tinnitus? Often, a hearing aid will go a long way toward providing relief as well as resolving your hearing problems. 

Not sure if you’re at risk for hearing problems? If you answer yes to any of the following, we recommend a hearing test:

• You’re over the age of 50: The older you are, the greater your risk of age-related hearing loss. About one-third of senior adults have some type of hearing loss. 
• You’ve been exposed to loud noises for extended periods: Do you frequently work around loud noises? Do you attend loud concerts or listen to music with the volume cranked up? Over time, exposure to loud noises can cause permanent hearing damage. 
• You find it difficult to understand conversations: This is especially true if someone is speaking to you from another room or if their back is turned to you. If you also have trouble understanding speech in noisy restaurants or similar situations, then you should speak with us about a hearing test. 

In Severe Cases, We Can Prescribe Medication

To be clear: There is no cure for tinnitus. Your best opportunity for relief is to address the underlying issue that could be causing it. However, sometimes more conservative methods aren’t effective, and medication is a better option.

Certain medications won’t stop tinnitus, but they can reduce the severity of it. Certain antidepressants and medications like Xanax can help.

We’re Dedicated to Helping You Ease the Symptoms of Tinnitus

We’ve reviewed some aspects of “what causes ringing in my ears?” and we want you to know that our ear, nose and throat specialists ensure that you get the care you need. Not only have they helped patients overcome and cope with the frustration and anxiety of tinnitus, but they have treated countless other conditions, including tumors of the head and neck.

In addition to routine procedures such as tonsil and adenoid removal, our surgeons also provide extensive facial plastic surgery to treat facial trauma. They help patients with:

• Voice problems
• Hearing loss
• Facial fractures
• Thyroid issues
• Swallowing problems
• Ear infections
• Ruptured eardrums
• Meniere’s disease

We’re always ready to help you. Please visit CMC Ear, Nose and Throat for more information or to schedule an appointment.

 

The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.