Constant Ringing in the Ears

Tinnitus is the medical name for a condition in which you hear constant ringing in the ears. The ringing, which can also resemble a hum, buzz, hiss, whoosh or any number of other sounds, does not come from an outside stimulus. It's being created by some disorder in your auditory system.

It's hard to know how many people suffer from constant ringing in the ears or tinnitus. Estimates vary widely from approximately 8 million to around 40 million. There's reason to believe that as many as 33 percent of all adults in the United States alone hear sounds caused by tinnitus at some point in their lives. As many as 1 person in 6 may seek medical evaluation or treatment for it.

Hearing constant noises in your ears can be so distressing in some cases that it interferes with all aspects of daily life. You ability to focus or concentrate is limited. It can even be difficult to sleep.

There is no medication to cure tinnitus. Constant ringing in the ears is a symptom of some other disorder, not a disease in itself. Therefore, you have to identify and treat the cause if you're going to relieve the symptoms.

Constant sounds in your ears may seem louder when your surroundings are quiet. This can be especially true at night.

What causes constant ringing in the ears? Sometimes the cause of tinnitus is easy to identify: a blow to the head, exposure to an exceptionally loud noise, a tumor or even excess ear wax.

But at other times, identifying the causes of tinnitus can be challenging for your doctor, even if he or she is a specialist. But your doctor can perform an evaluation or do certain tests to link specific factors to your condition.

Certain medical conditions can contribute to constant ringing in the ears. These include anemia, kidney problems, high blood pressure or hypertension, and allergies. People who exceptionally tired or under a great deal of stress seem to be at higher risk for tinnitus. Taking too much aspirin has also been singled out as a possible cause.

It can be difficult to determine the physical factors that cause constant sounds in your ears. One thing for certain: it's very rarely "just your imagination" as some uninformed people may try to tell you.

Treatment for constant ringing in the ears If you're hearing constant ringing in your ears, the first step toward treatment is an evaluation by an audiologist. Look for one who is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Once the underlying cause has been determined, there are a number of options for reducing the constant ringing. These include

• medications
• vitamin therapy
• biofeedback
• hypnosis

There are also devices known as "tinnitus maskers" that can provide relief from the constant, disturbing sounds of tinnitus. These devices resemble hearing aids and produce more pleasant sounds designed to cover up the whirring, whooshing, humming, buzzing or ringing in the ears.  These are useful for some people with tinnitus, but others don't find them helpful at all.

If you're suffering from tinnitus, you should also be aware that there are many groups and organizations that can provide information, help and support. Also keep in mind that hearing sounds in your ears does not necessarily mean you're losing your hearing and going deaf. But these sounds should prompt you to see a qualified audiologist as soon as possible to find out why it's happening.