Ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus is the perception of a noise or buzzing inside the ears. It is characterized by the sensation of listening to any sound even in a quiet environment.

It is a tinnitus or noise in the auditory pathway that does not disappear in a certain period of time and can occur as a result of a cold or after being exposed to very loud noises for longer than desired. This can vary, which means that we won't necessarily notice a buzz, but it can take the form of a puff, a murmur, a whistle, etc... And the same thing happens with its intensity, which can be softer or louder. It does not necessarily affect both ears, in fact, it is quite common to feel only the buzz in the left or right ear.

Luckily, most of the time this tinnitus disappears just like wine, without the need for treatment and without any major worries, but on those rare occasions when the noise becomes persistent it can generate irritation and stress.

What causes ringing in the ears?

Ringing in the ears is not usually serious and occurs as a result of a cold or prolonged exposure to very loud noises. It can also be caused by infections or hearing tumors. It is also important to mention that in case this noise does not disappear, it is recommended to go to a specialist to check its possible origin. It is not a frequent situation, but tinnitus can be caused by an ear infection (such as otitis) or, in an extreme case, a tumor, so do not hesitate to go to the otolaryngologist to resolve this situation as soon as possible.

In addition, there are other causes such as the following:

  • Age-related hearing loss. It usually begins around age 50.
  • Otosclerosis, caused by abnormal growth of the ear bones. It is usually hereditary.
  • Excess earwax. When a lot of earwax builds up it can be difficult to remove naturally causing hearing loss or irritation of the eardrum membrane.
  • Psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression.
  • Accumulation of cholesterol in the blood vessels.
  • Taking certain drugs. There are medications that are considered ototoxic because they affect our hearing system. The effects tend to disappear when these drugs are stopped.
  • Ménière's disease. A disorder of the inner ear in which tinnitus may be an indication of this chronic pathology.

Treatment and solutions for tinnitus in the ear

There are different possibilities for treating ringing in the ears, although in some cases it may disappear over time without the need for intervention. As with any treatment, it is important to know the cause of the tinnitus. In obvious cases, such as after a concert or a similar situation of prolonged exposure to a louder than normal sound, the solution may be as simple as going to a quiet place to get used to the body. Basically, wait until the buzz disappears.

Another useful method may be to listen to relaxing audios.

Some options to cure ringing in the ear are:

  • Medications. Although there is none specific to cure it, there are some such as anxiolytics, vasodilators or antihistamines that can be used to relieve symptoms. These medications should be indicated by the physician and, preferably, should be used for a limited period of time, until the symptoms are relieved. There is also the case that a medication other than tinnitus is being taken and that this is the cause. Therefore, it is best to pause the treatment to see if the ringing in the ears diminishes.
  • Treat the ear. Most of the time, ringing in the ears is related to a considerable hearing loss. Solving this helps to better identify external sounds and minimize attention to internal sounds.
  • Remove earwax. Removal of impacted earwax may decrease the symptoms of tinnitus. The wax should be removed by a physician or professional.
  • Modify your diet. It is usually of great help for an effective therapy to avoid the consumption of sugary foods, caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners as well as it is recommended to give up smoking. Consult a specialist to prescribe a diet appropriate to your needs.

On the other hand, the use of hearing aids as a palliative element is the most widespread. Hearing aids have technologies to emit sounds that are relaxing and masking the tinnitus in most cases.

In conclusion, feeling a ringing in the ears is normal, but if this sensation persists we must go to the doctor to rule out more serious diseases and solve this discomfort to improve our quality of life.