Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of sound — ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking — without an external source, affecting a large portion of the population at some point.

Common Causes

Age-related or noise-induced hearing loss is the most common underlying cause. Earwax buildup, certain medications (including some antibiotics and high doses of aspirin), and exposure to loud noise can also trigger it, sometimes temporarily.

Is Tinnitus Dangerous?

In the large majority of cases, tinnitus itself is not dangerous — it's a symptom rather than a disease, most often linked to hearing changes rather than a serious underlying condition. Rarely, tinnitus in only one ear, especially with hearing loss or dizziness, can point to a specific inner ear or nerve condition worth evaluating — including, in some cases, a usually benign tumor on the hearing/balance nerve, which is why this pattern generally warrants a hearing test and imaging rather than self-diagnosis.

Management Strategies

While tinnitus can't always be eliminated entirely, several strategies reduce how bothersome it is: background sound (a fan, white noise machine, or soft music) to mask the ringing, addressing any underlying hearing loss with hearing aids, and managing stress, which tends to make tinnitus feel more prominent.

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor for tinnitus that's sudden, occurs in only one ear, comes with hearing loss or dizziness, or is significantly affecting quality of life or sleep.