Why do our ears ring?
The first reason could be exposure to excessive noise. If you are frequently exposed to loud music or machinery (at concerts or in a factory), it can cause damage to your hearing, leading to tinnitus. 43% of patients have associated their ringing with noise exposure.
Furthermore, as we age, hearing begins to decline. This is known as presbycusis (age-related hearing loss). Tinnitus occurs more frequently in such cases, affecting approximately 24% of the elderly and around 10% of younger individuals.
When there is no clear cause, it's important to know that tinnitus can also be associated with numerous other reasons:
- blocked ear canals (excessive earwax, known as cerumen – the natural oil in the ear),
- head injury (concussion),
- temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ),
- medications (certain antibiotics, antidepressants, high doses of aspirin), and
- serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, fluid accumulation in the middle ear, diabetes, allergies, or rare tumors.
What to do if your ears are ringing?
First, you need a proper examination. If there is a blockage in the ear (earwax), a doctor can safely remove it, often resulting in the disappearance of ringing. If you have recently experienced a head injury or concussion and the ringing is unilateral and pronounced, this signals the need for a comprehensive neurological examination. Similarly, jaw issues can create the sensation that the ringing is coming from the ear. If you have had changes in your bite or a broken tooth, seek help from a dentist. If you suspect a medication is the cause, check if tinnitus can be alleviated by reducing the dosage or switching medication, always in consultation with a doctor.
Research and statistical data
The global estimate shows that approximately 1% of adults experience new onset tinnitus each year. In the US, around 50 million people are estimated to have tinnitus issues, with 20 million experiencing it constantly.
An interesting finding comes from the Apple Hearing Study, where over 77% of participants have heard tinnitus at least once, with the elderly population (55+) experiencing it three times more frequently than younger individuals.
There are also rare studies using dry biomarkers, such as subtle facial tremors or pupil dilation, which can be detected only by artificial intelligence and linked to the severity of tinnitus. This opens up new approaches for diagnostic devices.
How can you help yourself at home? Folk, simple remedies
An old rule states that we should protect our ears when exposed to noise. If you listen to music with headphones, keep the volume at a safe level. The rule of thumb is to never exceed twice the volume of speech.
Good sleep is crucial. Research confirms that lack of sleep exacerbates tinnitus, as the brain becomes more sensitive to internal noises. To aid sleep, you can use white noise (a simple device, fan...), meditation, relaxation, or herbal tea (such as chamomile, lemon balm) ...
Movement is very beneficial. Even simple exercises like gentle neck rotations, jaw relaxation, light head movements, and breathing exercises improve blood circulation, reduce stress, and can significantly calm tinnitus.
Be cautious with your diet as well. Excessive salt, alcohol, caffeine, or sugar can worsen symptoms by affecting the fluid balance in the inner ear and blood pressure. Some reviews suggest that ginkgo biloba, often recommended as a folk remedy for tinnitus, may not have scientifically proven efficacy, but modern science allows for the possibility that we have not yet discovered all the active ingredients hidden in ginkgo. The same applies to zinc, melatonin, other vitamins, and various herbs.
Although tinnitus is considered a harmless phenomenon, it can impact concentration, sleep, well-being, and lead to tension or depression. Therefore, it should not be ignored. In general, remember: if you hear sounds that aren't there, your body needs something. By getting enough rest, protecting your hearing, living a healthy lifestyle, and seeking professional evaluations when necessary, you can reduce this kind of burden in the long term.
Listen to your body. It won't hurt you.
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