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Medical Reasons for Ringing in the Ears

Ringing in the ears is also known as tinnitus and can occur in one or both ears. Tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying condition that may be benign or serious. When hearing loss occurs, for example, the brain makes up for the loss by producing its own sound that is experienced as ringing in the ear. Ringing in the ears can range from being annoying to interfering with daily life. It's important to see a physician to diagnose the reason for your tinnitus.

  1. Ear Infections

    • Ear infections can cause ringing in the ears in adults and children. An ear infection causes inflammation in the middle ear, which is made up of the ear drum, bones and ausicles that amplify sound. This inflammation can cause the ringing sound, which is usually temporary.

    Otosclerosis

    • Otosclerosis occurs when the bones of the middle ear stiffen or grow abnormally. The structures within the middle ear that amplify sound do not work properly due to the abnormal bone growth and stiffness. Otosclerosis can cause severe hearing loss as well as tinnitus.

    Meniere's disease

    • Ear specialists think that Meniere's disease results from the abnormal regulation of fluid in the inner ear. Although only one ear is usually affected, the condition can affect both ears. One of the symptoms of Meniere's is ringing in the ears, which can be mild or severe.

    Lyme Disease

    • Lyme disease is transmitted by a tick bite that infects the body with bacteria called borrelia burgdorferi. As Lyme disease progresses, it can produce symptoms that involve the body's musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiac and other systems. Ringing in the ears is a symptom that may occur at any time during the disease.

    Poor Blood Circulation

    • Conditions such as hypertension, hypotension, diabetes and high cholesterol can also cause tinnitus. The ringing is due to poor blood circulation through the body, including the brain area, which affects the ears.

    Medications

    • Ototoxic medications may cause damage to the structures of the inner ear resulting in hearing loss. Hearing loss that is already present may be aggravated by taking the medications. Ototoxic medications include aspirin and products that contain aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), loop diuretics, certain chemotherapy drugs and quinine. Consult your doctor if ringing in the ears is a problem after taking any medication.

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