Hearing noises without any external source is known as tinnitus or ringing ears. It is a common problem that affects about 15 to 20% of the world's population. Ringing ears can sound like ringing, whistling, buzzing, or humming; pitch and volume can also differ.
The problem can be short-term or long-term, and it can be anywhere from mild to very bad. Tinnitus can significantly affect an individual's quality of life, causing trouble sleeping, focusing, and feeling anxious or sad. It's not always clear what causes tinnitus. Still, it's often caused by damage to the inner ear, exposure to loud noise, taking certain medications, or having a medical condition like high blood pressure or Meniere's disease. Even though there is no cure for ringing ears, there are several ways to deal with it, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, sound therapy, and medications.
Common Reasons For Ear Ringing
Sounds are heard in the ears even if there is no external source, a condition known as ringing in the ears. Unfortunately, numerous individuals all around the globe suffer from this widespread ailment. Exposure to loud noise, ear infections, certain drugs, and head or neck traumas are all potential causes of tinnitus.
Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) is another major cause of tinnitus. Damage to the sensitive hair cells in the inner ear, which are responsible for hearing, is a well-known cause of hearing loss as we age. Medical diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, and anemia, may also exacerbate tinnitus. Ringing ears may be triggered or made worse by stress and worry. It may also be caused by less prevalent conditions, such as Meniere's illness, ototoxicity, or an acoustic neuroma.
At times ringing ears may signify something more severe, such as a brain tumor, and should be checked out by a doctor if it persists or worsens. If you're experiencing tinnitus symptoms, it's best to see a doctor to get to the bottom of what's causing it and go on the road to recovery.
At-Home Remedies
You can do a few things at home to help ease the signs of tinnitus, also called "ringing in the ears." One of the ways to eradicate tinnitus is to avoid loud noises, which can damage the hair cells in the inner ear even more. Some people feel better when listening to soothing music, white noise, or natural sounds. Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga are all ways to relax that can also aid in reducing stress and anxiety, which can worsen tinnitus symptoms. It's also essential to living a healthy life, which includes eating well and working out regularly.
When To Visit Urgent Care For Treatment
If the ringing in your ears, or tinnitus, comes on suddenly and is accompanied by other symptoms like lightheadedness, nausea, or hearing loss, an urgent care visit is necessary. Also, if the ringing in your ears lasts for a long time, you should see a doctor.
In some cases, tinnitus indicates a more serious chronic problem that needs to be treated quickly to avoid more problems. Remember that you should go to urgent care for treatment if your ear hurts a lot, you have a fever, or you have had ear infections.
