Tinnitus

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Ear anatomy

Ringing in the ears; Noises or buzzing in the ears; Ear buzzing

Tinnitus can be masked by competing sounds:

• Low-level music, ticking clocks, or other noises may help you not notice the tinnitus.
• Tinnitus is often more noticeable when you go to bed at night because your surroundings are quieter. Any noise in the room, like a humidifier, white noise machine, or dishwasher, can help mask tinnitus and make it less irritating.

Learn ways to relax. Stress does not cause tinnitus, but feeling stressed or anxious can worsen it.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking.

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Get enough rest. Try sleeping with your head propped up in an elevated position. This lessens head congestion and noises may become less noticeable.

Protect your ears and hearing from further damage. Avoid loud places and sounds. Use earplugs if you need them.

Call your doctor if:

• Ear noises start after a head injury.
• The noises are associated with other unexplained symptoms like dizziness, feeling off balance, nausea, or vomiting.
• You have unexplained ear noises that bother you even after self-help measures.

The health care provider will perform a physical examination, which will include looking in your ears. You may be asked questions, such as:

• What does the noise sound like?
• Is the sound throbbing or rhythmic?
• Is it in one or both ears?
• What other symptoms do you have?

The following tests may be done:

• Audiology/audiometry to test hearing loss
• Head CT scan
• Head MRI scan
• Blood vessel studies (angiography)
• X-rays of the head

TREATMENTS

If your doctor can determine the cause, fixing the problem (for example, removing ear wax) may make your symptoms go away.

Review all of your currrent medicines, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements with your health care provider. Do not stop taking any medications without first talking to your provider.

Many medicines have been used to relieve symptoms of tinnitus, but no drug works for everyone. Medications may include anti-arrhythmics (usually used for irregular heart rhythms), antidepressants, vasodilators, tranquilizers, anticonvulsants, and antihistamines.