Ringing In Ears
-
- Tweet
Comprehensive Ear Nose Throat
N.X. Nguyen, M.D.
Otolaryngology & Allergist located in Huntington Beach, CA
Persistent ringing in your ears can interrupt your concentration and make it difficult to get things done. At Comprehensive Ear Nose Throat in Huntington Beach, California, Nghia Nguyen, MD offers advanced hearing tests and innovative treatments to reduce these disruptive sounds. Dr. Nguyen also offers resources to help you prevent hearing loss when working around loud noises. If you experience frequent ringing in your ears, call or book an appointment online today.
Ringing in Ears Q & A
Ringing in Ears Q & A
What causes ringing in the ears?
Ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus, is often the result of an underlying medical condition. You may develop ringing in the ears due to hearing loss as you age, damage to the inner ear, or a problem with your circulatory system. Poor drainage in your ears can also result in a buildup of earwax that causes temporary hearing loss and ringing in the ears.
Certain medications, such as cancer drugs and some antidepressants, can make tinnitus worse, as can conditions like Meniere’s disease and high blood pressure. Trauma to your head or neck can also worsen tinnitus.
If you’re frequently exposed to loud sounds, either on the job or during recreational activities, you may develop tinnitus as a result.
What are the symptoms of ringing in the ears?
Typically, tinnitus causes you to hear a certain sound that isn’t actually there. It may sound like one of the following:
- Ringing
- Clicking
- Buzzing
- Hissing
- Roaring
The sounds can range from a dull roar to a high-pitched squeal and you may experience the sound in just one ear or both. The sound may also be persistent or come and go. In some cases, the sound can be very loud, making it difficult for you to concentrate or hear what others are saying.
How is ringing in the ears diagnosed?
To determine the cause of ringing in the ears, Dr. Nguyen performs an in-office, noninvasive hearing test. During this test, you sit in a soundproof room wearing a pair of earphones while Dr. Nguyen plays different sounds and asks you to indicate when you hear the sound.
Depending on the cause of your symptoms, Dr. Nguyen may also recommend imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to rule out structural issues in your ear that may be causing the ringing.
What treatment options are available for ringing in the ears?
Dr. Nguyen can remove any excess earwax that may be causing ringing or hearing loss. He may also review your current medications to reduce your symptoms. If he confirms significant hearing loss, Dr. Nguyen may recommend a hearing aid.
If ringing in your ears is interfering with your job or ability to sleep, schedule an appointment with Dr. Nguyen using the online feature or by calling the office directly.
