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Ear anatomy
Ear anatomy

Ear noise/buzzing
Definition:
This symptom involves ringing, buzzing, humming, or other noises in the ears.

Alternative Names:
Ringing in the ears; Tinnitus; Noises/buzzing in the ear(s)

Considerations:
Tinnitus may be described as the sound of escaping air, running water, the inside of a seashell, or as a sizzling, musical, buzzing, or humming noise.

Tinnitus is a symptom of almost any ear disorder including ear infections, foreign objects or wax in the ear, otosclerosis, Meniere's, acoustic trauma, and others. Tinnitus may be associated with hearing loss including occupational hearing loss. It is also a symptom of certain forms of cardiovascular disease such as occlusion of the carotid arteries, anemia, vascular (blood vessel) malformations, aneurysm, and tumors in the head.

The sounds perceived include ringing noises, blowing, buzzing, hissing, whistling, roaring, pulsating, high or low pitched sounds, and others. The mechanism that causes the perception of sounds where there is no outside source of the noise is not known.

Tinnitus is common. Almost everyone experiences a mild form of tinnitus where they hear noises for several minutes. Persistent tinnitus sometimes accompanies sensory hearing loss. Tinnitus may interfere with the ability to concentrate or sleep, and it may cause psychological distress.
Common Causes:
Home Care:
There is no known cure for tinnitus. Follow prescribed therapy for treating the underlying cause.

Medications such as antiarrhythmics and antidepressants may help suppress tinnitus.

If there is hearing loss, avoid further damage to the hearing by avoiding exposure to excessive noise. Prevent trauma to the ear from injury, pressure, or occupational hazards. Wear ear protection such as earmuffs or ear plugs in situations where ear damage is likely.

Tinnitus may be masked by competing sounds, such as low-level music, clocks, or other noises. This may make it easier to ignore the tinnitus and aid concentration and sleep. A tinnitus masker or other device that produces low-level sound directly in the ear may help to suppress the tinnitus.

A hearing aid may help decrease ear noise and amplify outside sounds. Sometimes, counseling may help in learning to tolerate this symptom.
Call your health care provider if:
If hearing problems are persistent and unexplained, affect lifestyle, or are associated with other unexplained symptoms, call your health care provider.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained, and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting tinnitus in detail may include:
  • What does the sound resemble?
  • Is the sound throbbing or rhythmic?
  • Is it in one or both ears?
  • What other symptoms are also present?
Physical examination will include a detailed ear examination.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

Intervention:
Since tinnitus usually cannot be cured, the patient must learn to tolerate the noise. Vasodilators, tranquilizers, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed. Antihistamines (e.g., meclizine) are also often effective.

When appropriate, the patient may be encouraged to consider biofeedback training. This is a method that helps people learn to control body functions by monitoring specific responses (such as tightness of a muscle group) and altering this response through relaxation.

In this case, it may help to reduce the adverse effect of persistent tinnitus. A tinnitus masker may be appropriate for other people. This is a device that produces a low-level sound to cover or disguise the ear noise so that it is less bothersome.

Support group:
American tinnitus Association is a good resource center and support group.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to tinnitus, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.

Review Date: 10/31/2001
Reviewed By: Ashutosh Kacker, Department of Otolaryngology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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