Hello, I'm Dr. Emily Carter, an audiologist with over 15 years of experience in diagnosing and treating hearing disorders. I specialize in tinnitus, which is the medical term for that constant ringing in your ears you're experiencing.

While tinnitus can be a frustrating and sometimes debilitating condition, it's important to remember that it's not always a sign of something serious. It's often a symptom of another underlying condition, and understanding the cause is the key to finding relief.

**Here are some of the most common causes of tinnitus:**

* Exposure to loud noise: This is one of the most common causes of tinnitus. Even brief exposure to extremely loud noises, such as concerts, construction sites, or even loud music through headphones, can damage the delicate hair cells in your inner ear, leading to tinnitus.
* Age-related hearing loss: As we age, the hair cells in our inner ear naturally deteriorate. This can lead to hearing loss, and tinnitus is a common side effect.
* Earwax buildup: Excessive earwax can block the ear canal and interfere with sound transmission, leading to tinnitus.
* Head and neck injuries: Injuries to the head or neck can damage the nerves involved in hearing, leading to tinnitus.
* Certain medications: Some medications, such as aspirin, antibiotics, and diuretics, can cause tinnitus as a side effect.
* Underlying medical conditions: Tinnitus can also be a symptom of other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disorders.
* Stress and anxiety: While stress and anxiety themselves don't cause tinnitus, they can worsen existing symptoms.

**To properly diagnose the cause of your tinnitus**, I will need to conduct a thorough examination that includes:

* A detailed medical history: I'll ask about your symptoms, including when they started, how severe they are, and any other symptoms you may be experiencing.
* A physical exam of your ears: This will involve looking at your ear canals and eardrums to check for any signs of infection, wax buildup, or other problems.
* A hearing test: This test will help me determine the extent of your hearing loss, if any.
* Other tests: Depending on the suspected cause of your tinnitus, I may recommend additional tests, such as a blood test to check for underlying medical conditions or a CT scan or MRI to rule out any structural abnormalities in your ears.

Treatment for tinnitus depends on the underlying cause.

* **If the tinnitus is caused by earwax buildup, I can remove the wax safely and effectively.**
* **If the tinnitus is caused by loud noise exposure, I may recommend that you wear earplugs or other hearing protection when exposed to loud noises.**
* **If the tinnitus is caused by a medical condition, treating the underlying condition may also alleviate the tinnitus.**
* **In some cases, tinnitus may be managed with lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress and anxiety, getting enough sleep, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.**
* **There are also a variety of sound therapy devices and apps that can help mask the tinnitus.**

It's important to remember that tinnitus is not always curable, but it can often be managed. If you're experiencing tinnitus, please schedule an appointment with your doctor or an audiologist to discuss your symptoms and get a diagnosis.

**Don't hesitate to seek professional help.** Early diagnosis and treatment can often help improve your quality of life and reduce the impact of tinnitus.
read more >>

Damage to your eardrums or the tiny bones in your middle ear can also interfere with the proper conduction of sound. Tumors in the ear or on the auditory nerve may also cause ringing in the ears. Exposure to very loud sounds on a regular basis can cause tinnitus in some people.read more >>