My ears are constantly ringing! What’s up with that?
Ringing or other noises in your ears is called tinnitus. More often than not, tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss – although that’s not always the case.
Tinnitus can be a precursor to hearing loss. Similar to an early warning sign. Your brain is beginning to realize there is damage to your ears, but you aren’t quite perceiving that yet. It might not even show up on a hearing test yet.
Exposure to loud noise can also be the cause of tinnitus, no matter if it is one instance or exposure over time. Even certain medications can cause tinnitus. Things like antibiotics, diuretics, and aspirin are all known to list tinnitus as a side effect. It may be a good idea to talk with your physician if your tinnitus worsens or becomes bothersome.
Several other medical conditions – high blood pressure, head and neck injuries, cardiovascular problems, etc. – have also been known to cause tinnitus. Often times, a specific cause of your tinnitus cannot be identified, so the next step would be to begin treating it with the help of an Audiologist.
If you have tinnitus and would like to consult with one of our Doctors of Audiology, please contact Gardner Audiology at 1-800-277-1182 or email info@gardneraudiology.com for more information.
