Tinnitus or “Ringing in the Ears”
Originally published August 24, 2017. Refreshed August 2026.
Tinnitus (ti-NIGHT-us or TINN-a-tus) is commonly described as “ringing in the ears,” but it can also sound like whistling, buzzing, hissing, roaring, swooshing, clicking, or other noises. The sound may come and go or remain constant, and for some people, it can significantly affect sleep, concentration, communication, and quality of life.
Tinnitus is common and can affect people of all ages. It frequently occurs alongside hearing loss, although people can experience tinnitus without measurable hearing loss. Because tinnitus can have many possible causes, a hearing evaluation can be an important first step in determining what may be contributing to your symptoms.
In general, there are two types of Tinnitus:
Subjective Tinnitus: This is the most common type of tinnitus. Only the person experiencing it can hear the sound. It can result from changes in the auditory system associated with hearing loss, noise exposure, aging, medications, or other health conditions.
Objective Tinnitus: This is much less common and refers to sounds that may be audible to both the patient and, in some cases, another person. It can sometimes result from blood flow or muscular activity near the ear.
CAUSES OF TINNITUS
Tinnitus is a symptom rather than a disease itself. It can have many causes, and identifying the underlying cause can help determine the most appropriate management approach. Some of the more common causes include:
Hearing Loss - Age-related and noise-induced hearing loss are frequently associated with tinnitus. Even subtle hearing loss can contribute to tinnitus.
Obstructions in the Outer and Middle Ear - Earwax buildup, fluid, congestion, ear infections, or other problems affecting the ear canal or middle ear can sometimes trigger tinnitus.
Head and Neck Trauma - Injuries involving the head, neck, or ears can sometimes lead to or worsen tinnitus.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder - Problems involving the jaw joint and surrounding muscles can contribute to tinnitus in some people. Because the TMJ sits close to the ear, jaw tension or movement may influence tinnitus symptoms.
Sinus Pressure - Congestion and pressure affecting the ears can temporarily contribute to tinnitus or make existing symptoms more noticeable.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - Tinnitus frequently occurs among individuals who have experienced head injuries, including military personnel and veterans.
Ototoxic Drugs - Certain medications can affect the auditory system and may cause or worsen tinnitus in some people. These can include certain antibiotics, cancer treatments, diuretics, and some pain medications. Never stop or change a medication on your own. Talk with your physician or other prescribing healthcare professional if you are concerned about a medication's effects on your hearing.
Certain Medical Conditions - Tinnitus can also occur alongside certain health conditions, including Ménière's disease, thyroid disorders, cardiovascular conditions, and others. Anxiety and depression may also affect how a person experiences and responds to tinnitus.
TINNITUS MANAGEMENT
We use the word “management” because there is currently no single cure for most cases of tinnitus. However, effective strategies can reduce its impact and help people manage their symptoms.
The first step is often identifying whether an underlying issue is contributing to the tinnitus. Depending on the situation, treatment may involve removing excess earwax, addressing an ear infection, reviewing medications with a physician, treating an underlying medical condition, or addressing hearing loss.
For people who have both hearing loss and tinnitus, hearing aids may help make tinnitus less noticeable by improving access to environmental sounds and speech. Other tinnitus management strategies can include sound therapy, counseling, relaxation techniques, and other approaches recommended by a hearing healthcare professional.
If you are experiencing tinnitus, especially if it is new, persistent, or affecting your daily life, schedule an appointment with an audiologist or other qualified healthcare professional. A hearing evaluation can help determine whether hearing loss or another ear-related issue may be contributing to your symptoms.
If tinnitus occurs suddenly, particularly in one ear and alongside sudden hearing loss, seek medical attention promptly. Sudden hearing loss can require urgent evaluation and treatment.
You don't have to navigate tinnitus alone. Our team is here to listen, answer your questions, evaluate your hearing, and help you determine the next steps.
