Ringing ears are annoying, distracting, and frustrating. Some people hear a distinct ringing, while others experience more of a buzzing, humming, hissing or clicking sound. The ringing may be only in one ear, or in both. Ear ringing is also called tinnitus.
Ear ringing may be present all of the time or some of the time, and vary in severity.
Causes Of Ringing In The Ears
There are a number of factors that can contribute to ringing ears. Of course, physical damage to the ears is one. It could have happened years before, or even as a child. A head injury or a blow to the ear can be a cause, and so can a previous ear infection. Loud noises or exposure to loud sounds at work can create a cumulative effect over time and result in ringing in the ears. That’s one of the reasons we suggest you keep music volume reasonable – too loud can cause excess strain on the auditory nerve that adds up to damage over time – and it can become permanent. Hearing loss can be related to ear ringing.
Physical damage isn’t the only cause. Blood circulation issues can trigger ringing ears. Stress, emotional distress, or psychological problems can also be a contributor. Certain diseases, such as Meniere’s disease, can cause ear ringing, as can migraines.
Treatment For Ringing Ears
It’s clear that with so many different causes, ringing ears won’t always require the same treatment in every case. Our integrative clinic can help you identify the cause and try different solutions.
There are even a few treatments you can try at home. Reducing stress is important. Meditation or yoga can be helpful. Massage can be an excellent treatment for ringing ears. Gingko Biloba, zinc, magnesium, vitamin B12, and other supplements have helped some people. Reducing caffeine, sugar, and alcohol may be helpful.
If relaxation and yoga provide some relief, you may be on the right track as to cause (stress) and a treatment that works for you. Other people will find that the ringing in their ears needs treatment beyond what they can do at home.
When you can’t resolve the issue at home, it’s important to get a medical examination to identify underlying causes. Checking your blood pressure and testing for Meniere’s Disease could be the first steps. Sometimes the cause is as simple as excess wax in the ears, or an ear infection. In very rare cases, ringing ears could indicate a brain tumor. Sometimes it is caused by the side effects of medication. We will also discuss your case history and possible triggers from your past. Although some people resort to surgery for ringing ears, there are many less drastic treatments that are often effective.
In our clinic, acupuncture, Bowen Therapy, Kinesiology and other treatments may all offer relief, depending on the cause of the ear ringing. Our naturopath can suggest supplements which may help. We also have counselling and psychotherapy available for patients who experience ringing in the ears from psychological causes. Because of our holistic approach to medicine, treatment for ringing ears doesn’t stop at a medical checkup. We can provide the specific therapy that your condition requires.
