What Can Cause You to Hear Ear Ringing?

Universal Images Group Editorial/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

Ringing in the ears, otherwise known as tinnitus, most commonly occurs due to old age, nerve damage and frequent exposure to loud noises, according to WebMD. Tinnitus can also be caused by ear infections, thyroid disease, earwax buildup, eardrum ruptures, inner ear injuries or as a side effect of medications.

Some people who suffer from underlying conditions such as multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, carotid atherosclerosis and arteriovenous malformations may experience symptoms of tinnitus as a side effect of vascular complications, explains WebMD. Anemia, acoustic neuroma and Ménière’s disease are additionally related to tinnitus in some patients. People who repeatedly put stress on their neck muscles through frequent movements related to exercise may cause tinnitus in their ears as a result.

Tinnitus is generally not considered a serious medical condition and often does not warrant treatment, especially if the condition occurs in both ears and does not seem to be accompanied by any other symptoms, according to WebMD. Patients with concerning symptoms should visit a doctor for a physical exam, notes Healthline. It is possible that medication dosages may be adjusted if they are thought to be the cause of a patient’s tinnitus, or a doctor may simply clean a patient’s ears to remove any obvious obstructions. Advanced forms of treatment for tinnitus include drug therapy, hearing aids and noise reduction machines, according to Healthline.