By Shirley E. Robinson
People generally suffer from some form of ailment that can be hard to pinpoint during some point in their life, and many of these conditions can be the result of various things. The same can sometimes be said for people who occasionally deal a condition that involves a ringing sensation in their ears. Although many things may lead to this problem, sometimes it helps to know what causes ringing in the ears to avoid problems, and especially for those who suffer from long-term symptoms.
This condition is commonly referred to as tinnitus. It's a condition where people hear sounds in their ear, rather than from an outside source. Tinnitus is a condition that may occur very infrequently, or it may be an ongoing concern for certain individuals.
The sounds that are involved with tinnitus are often described as ringing, buzzing, hissing, blowing, pulsating, roaring, and occasionally clicking or popping. These types of noises are heard inside the head, rather than coming from the environment around the person. Sounds may be heard in only one ear, but they can also occur in both or switch from ear to ear.
Nearly everyone has experienced some form of tinnitus in their life, or likely will if they haven't already. However, there are those who suffer from the condition often or never stop hearing sounds, which can lead to a frustrating and often hard life for some people. At times, those who suffer from the condition more severely find it hard to sleep, work, or function in various ways. The pitch may either be faint or loud, depending on the individual and the severity of the issue.
This type of condition typically can occur when a person is around loud music, explosions, or directly under loud or fast-moving planes. In some cases, other things may result in tinnitus. People most often experience symptoms when damage to the ears takes place in excessive amounts and frequently, or due to certain factors regarding one's health.
Things like fluctuating pressure in the air, or even jaw problems, may result in tinnitus. Other causes may involve certain health conditions, wax buildup, allergies, a cold or flu, an ear infection, or because of stress and anxiety problems. Excessive amounts of caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, or a poor diet in general may cause problems, and those who are losing their hearing may also experience symptoms.
While tinnitus typically goes away on its own, those who experience problems regularly often consider seeing a doctor. This way, they can rule out any health conditions that may result in signs of the condition, such as cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues, and so they can learn more about what causes ringing in the ears, along with potential treatments. In the end, prevention is often best, which usually entails staying healthy, keeping the ears clean, and protecting the ears when around loud noises.
