If you visit your doctor because you’re hearing a constant ringing in the ears, he or she will probably check for a condition known as tinnitus. Tinnitus means you have a problem with ear health.
The “ringing” may also resemble a hum, buzz, hiss, whoosh or any number of other sounds. Whatever the sound, it doesn’t come from outside your ears. It’s actually the result of some problem in your auditory system.
It’s hard to know how many people worldwide suffer from constant ringing in the ears or tinnitus. The guesses range between 8 million and 40 million. Some statistics say as many as one adult in three in the United States alone may experience constant ringing in the ears during their lifetime. As many as 1 person in 6 may seek medical evaluation or treatment for it.
Constant ringing in the ears caused by tinnitus may vary in intensity. The sound may be very soft – or not. Some people find it to be so loud it interferes with everyday life. You can have a very hard time trying to concentrate or focus when you have tinnitus. Getting a good night’s sleep can become a real challenge, leaving you fatigued and listless during your waking hours.
Tinnitus is not a disease in itself – it’s a symptom of some other ear problem. So you have to find the cause in order to relieve the symptom.
What Disorders or Conditions Cause Constant Ringing in the Ears?
Sometimes the underlying cause of tinnitus is not hard to identify. It result from a hard knock on the head or face, being exposed to an unusually loud noise, a tumor close to an ear, or even impacted ear wax .
Sometimes, assorted medical conditions will contribute to tinnitus. Some of these include anemia, kidney problems, high blood pressure or hypertension, and allergies. People who exceptionally tired or under a great deal of stress seem to be at higher risk for tinnitus. Taking too much aspirin has also been singled out as a possible cause.
However, it can also be very difficult for your doctor to find the exact cause of tinnitus. Evaluation and testing procedures are available, but they’re not always successful in identifying the cause.
You can depend on one thing though. It’s very rarely “just your imagination” as some uninformed people may try to tell you.
What Options Do You Have For Relief?
The best first step toward finding relief from constant ringing in the ears is getting an evaluation by an audiologist. Search for who is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Once a diagnosis has been made, you have some options, including
medications and vitamins
therapies and techniques like hypnosis and biofeedback
There are also devices known as “tinnitus maskers.” These can provide relief from the constant, disturbing sounds of tinnitus. Maskers look like hearing aids. They fill your ears with more pleasant sounds which cover up or reduce the annoying ringing, humming, etc.
Unfortunately, not all strategies work, and some people never find any lasting relief.
If you’re one of the millions who suffer from tinnitus, keep in mind that there are many groups and organizations that can provide information, help and support.
Hearing constant ringing in your ears is not a sign of impending deafness. But these sounds should prompt you to visit a qualified audiologist as soon as possible for a diagnosis.
George McKenzie is a former TV news anchor, medical reporter and radio talk show host.
