Why Do Ears Ring So Often? Here Are the Causes

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Ringing in the ears, or hearing sounds without an external source, is a condition experienced by many people. The sounds may resemble a high-pitched tone, hiss, whistle, rumble or hum, and can occur in one or both ears.

Medically, this condition is known as tinnitus. It may last briefly or persist, and can sometimes interfere with concentration, daily activities and sleep quality.

Tinnitus is not a disease in itself, but a symptom that may be associated with various health conditions. Its causes range from earwax build-up and exposure to loud noise to hearing problems and disorders of the blood vessels.

So why do ears ring frequently, and when should the condition be checked by a doctor?

Causes of frequent ringing in the ears

A number of factors can trigger tinnitus. It does not always indicate a serious illness, but its occurrence should be noted, particularly if it happens repeatedly.

Here are some causes of frequent ringing in the ears to be aware of.

1. Exposure to excessively loud noise

One common cause of tinnitus is exposure to loud noise, whether for a short period or repeatedly.

Listening to music at high volume through earphones or headphones, attending concerts and working in noisy environments can all increase the risk of hearing damage.

Excessively loud noise can damage the tiny hair cells in the inner ear. This damage can disrupt the transmission of sound signals to the brain, creating the sensation of ringing.

In some cases, ringing after exposure to loud noise may disappear on its own. However, repeated exposure risks causing permanent hearing damage.

2. Earwax build-up

Earwax helps protect the ear canal from dust and dirt. However, excessive build-up can block the canal.

This can cause a feeling of fullness in the ear, reduced hearing and ringing.

If the cause is an earwax blockage, symptoms can usually ease once it has been removed safely by a medical professional.

Avoid digging too deeply into the ear with cotton buds, as this can push the wax further inside and risk injuring the ear canal.

3. Age-related hearing loss

As people age, their hearing may deteriorate. This condition is known as presbycusis.

The decline in hearing is associated with changes in the structures of the inner ear and the auditory nervous system.

For some people, age-related hearing loss is also accompanied by tinnitus. Ringing may occur in one or both ears even when there is no sound source in the surrounding environment.

4. Ear infections

Infections of the outer or middle ear can also trigger tinnitus.

Inflammation and fluid build-up caused by an infection can interfere with the transmission of sound, making a person feel that their ears are ringing.

Ear infections are usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, a feeling of fullness, discharge or reduced hearing.

If these symptoms occur together, a medical examination is needed to identify the cause and determine appropriate treatment.

5. Side effects of certain medicines

Certain medicines can also cause or worsen tinnitus. Some are known to have side effects that can affect the hearing system.

Medicines that may trigger the symptoms include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, particularly at high doses.

Some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, antimalarials and antidepressants may also be associated with tinnitus.

However, not everyone experiences these side effects. If your ears start ringing after taking a particular medicine, consult a doctor before changing the dose or stopping it.

6. Meniere’s disease

Meniere’s disease is an inner-ear disorder that can affect hearing and balance.

It can cause ringing, a feeling of fullness in the ear, fluctuating hearing loss and vertigo, or a sensation of spinning.

Symptoms generally recur and can affect daily activities.

7. Blood-vessel disorders

In some cases, tinnitus may be associated with disrupted blood flow around the ear.

One form is pulsatile tinnitus. The sound usually resembles a heartbeat or a pulse that follows the rhythm of the person’s pulse.

This condition may be associated with changes in blood flow, high blood pressure, narrowed blood vessels or abnormalities in vessels around the ear.

Unlike ordinary tinnitus, ringing that follows the heartbeat should be medically assessed to establish its cause.

How common is ringing in the ears?

Tinnitus is relatively common across different age groups.

The US National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), part of the National Institutes of Health, estimates that around 10 to 25 per cent of adults experience tinnitus.

The condition can be temporary or persistent. Tinnitus lasting for three months or more is generally classified as chronic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that tinnitus can take the form of various sounds, including humming, hissing, whistling and pulsating.

Not everyone with tinnitus experiences severe disruption. For some, however, it can affect concentration, emotional wellbeing and sleep quality.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. A doctor’s examination is therefore needed to determine whether the symptoms are related to an ear or hearing disorder, or another health condition.

Several steps can help reduce the disruption caused by ringing in the ears:

1. Avoid excessively loud noise. Turn down the volume on earphones and use ear protection in noisy environments.

2. Keep ears clean. Avoid digging too deeply into the ear. If wax has built up, ask a medical professional to remove it.

3. Manage stress. Stress and anxiety can make tinnitus feel more troublesome. Relaxation and physical activity may help.

4. Improve sleep quality. Keep to a regular sleep schedule and avoid habits that interfere with rest.

5. Have your hearing checked. If ringing recurs or becomes increasingly disruptive, see an ear, nose and throat specialist.

It is important to note that no medicine has yet been proven to cure every type of tinnitus. However, treating the underlying cause, using hearing aids in certain cases, sound therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy may help reduce its impact.

When should ringing in the ears be checked?

Ringing that occurs briefly does not necessarily indicate a serious problem. However, symptoms that recur, last a long time or interfere with daily activities should not be ignored.

Some situations require more prompt medical attention, including:

• Ringing accompanied by sudden hearing loss.

• Ringing that follows the rhythm of the heartbeat.

• Tinnitus accompanied by spinning dizziness or severe balance problems.

• Ringing after a head injury.

• Tinnitus accompanied by facial muscle weakness or other nerve problems.

Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency and requires immediate assessment. Delayed treatment can reduce the chances of hearing recovery.

Ringing in the ears can therefore have many causes, from listening to loud sounds to disorders of the inner ear. Recognising symptoms early and identifying their cause are important steps in protecting hearing health.