If you've experienced a loud ringing or buzzing noise in your ear that no one else can hear, it's possible you have a condition called tinnitus.
Tinnitus, characterized by an infrequent or constant noise in the ears, results from damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve connecting your ear to your brain.
Many tinnitus sufferers describe the noise as a loud ringing noise, similar to old CRT-type TVs and computer monitors turned on.
Others have described it as a loud hissing, buzzing, humming, or roaring.
While the noise you hear may or may not sound like any of these, if it is constant or intermittent and affects your ability to hear, it might still be a result of tinnitus.
Some of the most common causes of tinnitus are: 1.
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds.
Up to 90% of tinnitus sufferers have noise-induced hearing loss, possibly from damaging fragile sound-sensitive cells or any of the organs in the inner ear by listening to loud music or using earbuds, which are especially damaging to your ear.
2.
Stress.
Excessive stress can change the flow of blood to the ear and the balance of fluids, leading to intermittent problems with hearing and tinnitus.
3.
Excessive buildup of wax, or physical damage caused by using Q-tips.
Both of these prevent the sound-sensitive cells from functioning properly, and can lead to tinnitus.
You can gently clean your ears using a Q-tip dipped in lukewarm water.
4.
Certain drugs, including aspirin, some antibiotics, and quinine.
Tinnitus is listed as a possible side effect to over 200 medications! Check your medication to see if it could be causing the painful ringing in your ears.