Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Overview

Pulsing tinnitus in time with your heartbeat needs a check.

Tinnitus can sound like ringing, buzzing, hissing, or humming.

It often comes with hearing loss.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Ringing or buzzing in the ears
• Ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears

Less common

• Hearing loss
• Trouble sleeping

Look up a symptom: Ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears · Trouble hearing

When to get medical care

Causes

Noise, aging, earwax, some medicines.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Noise exposure

Possible complications

• Hearing loss

Diagnosis

A hearing test helps.

Questions you may be asked

• Noise exposure, medicines

The exam

Ear exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Hearing test:

Treatment

Manage it.

Self-care

• Use background sound at night
• Protect ears from noise
• Limit caffeine

Hearing aids help if hearing is low.

Prevention

To protect hearing:

• Earplugs
• Use earplugs at concerts

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor) and an audiologist (hearing specialist).

Living with it

• Keep a simple diary of symptoms, triggers, and medicines to bring to visits.
• Bring a list of your medicines and questions to each visit.
• Stay active in ways that feel good to you.
• Get enough sleep and manage stress.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Veterans and musicians: Higher risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Often fades or becomes easier.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Could my medicines cause this?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)