Why Do We Hear Ringing or Buzzing in Our Ears?
Hearing ringing, buzzing, or other noises in your ears is known as tinnitus. While it's not unusual to occasionally experience mild tinnitus, some people experience recurring, severe tinnitus that interferes with their daily life. Although doctors can't always find a cause for a person's tinnitus, there are a number of conditions and situations that often lead to tinnitus.
Hearing Loss
One of the most common causes of tinnitus is age-related hearing loss. As we age, our hearing gradually declines, and in many cases this decline is accompanied by tinnitus. Although scientists aren't sure why hearing loss can lead to tinnitus, one theory is that damaged cells in the inner ear occasionally misfire, sending random electrical signals to the brain and causing you to hear sounds that aren't there.
Ear Infections
Ear infections often cause people to hear ringing or buzzing in their ears. These sounds generally go away after the ear infection clears up.
Earwax
Tinnitus can also be caused by a buildup of earwax. Although the ear canal is usually self-cleaning, earwax can sometimes become impacted, creating a blockage of the ear canal. Such a blockage can cause you to hear noises in your ear. Once the earwax is removed, the tinnitus usually disappears.
Loud Noises
Attending a rock concert or visiting a noisy construction site can cause temporary tinnitus. Long-term exposure to excessive noise often results in both permanent hearing damage and tinnitus. According to "The New Yorker," close to half of the American soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan are affected by tinnitus as a result of the loud noises they encounter in combat.
Medications
Many medications can cause you to experience ringing or buzzing in your ears. The severity of these sounds usually increases with higher doses of medication. Some medications that can cause tinnitus include certain antibiotics, some cancer medications and high doses of aspirin. Your tinnitus will most likely subside if you stop taking the medication in question.
Seeking Help
If the ringing and buzzing in your ears becomes more frequent or prolonged, make an appointment to see your doctor. She will examine your ears and try to discover the cause of your tinnitus. If your tinnitus is not the result of a condition that is easily treatable, your doctor can help you find ways to live with your tinnitus. Common treatments include medication, hearing aids and maskers.
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