Inner Ear Ringing

Inner ear ringing, for millions of people, is an irritating problem that never seems to quit. Why do people experience inner ear ringing?

This happens when the tiny microscopic hairs in the ear, known as cilia are damaged. Thousands of cilia work with the auditory nerve to transmit sounds to the brain where they are interpreted.

When these tiny hairs are damaged, the sound is often interpreted as noise and causes inner ear ringing. Unfortunately when these tiny cilia are damaged, there is no way to repair or replace them. For this reason many people live daily hearing noises such as buzzing, popping, clanging, whistling, chirping and whooshing without the presence of an actual source.

What can be done to help individuals who experience inner ear ringing?

First of all it is imperative to look for the source of the inner ear ringing, also known as tinnitus.

There are several potential causes for tinnitus which may include hearing loss, excessive wax build-up, ear infection, brain or head injury, Menieres Disease, ostoclerosis, poor circulation, high-blood pressure, hypo or hyperthyroidism, stress and Lyme Disease.

If during an examination by an ENT specialist, one of these conditions is discovered, steps can be taken to treat the specific condition and perhaps it may help reduce the severity of the inner ear ringing. If the tinnitus is the result of ear wax build up, the problem may be corrected with removal of the excess wax. In the case of an ear infection, once the infection is treated and healed, usually the inner ear ringing will fade and gradually disappear.

Living with inner ear ringing

People who live with constant inner ear ringing can become upset and even depressed, especially if they are unable to find the source of the problem. Because there is no known cure for tinnitus, individuals must learn ways to cope with these constant noises in their ears.

Trying to manage inner ear ringing is not easy but by using measures to mask the problem, people learn to live with this bothersome condition. Individuals who suffer with tinnitus must learn to deal with the noises in the ears and head in order to live productive lives.

Many people become depressed and experience anxiety and insomnia. It’s totally understandable but if unable to cope with inner ear ringing, an individual may be limiting themselves in many aspects of their daily lives.

If inner ear ringing is something you are dealing with, it is essential to be examined by an ear specialist and/or a physician to hopefully determine the root cause.

There are some medications that have proven to be successful in managing tinnitus and there are various techniques a person can use to mask the inner ear ringing and get on with their day.