Tinnitus, commonly described as a ringing in the ears, is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. This sensation can manifest in various ways, including buzzing, hissing, clicking, or roaring. While often temporary, tinnitus can sometimes be persistent, affecting daily life.
The Science of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a phantom auditory sensation, not an external noise. It arises from activity within the auditory system and the brain, often in response to changes or damage to the delicate hair cells in the inner ear. When damaged, these hair cells may send abnormal electrical impulses to the brain, which interprets them as sound.
Tinnitus is categorized into two types: subjective and objective. Subjective tinnitus, the more common form, is only heard by the individual experiencing it, often linked to hearing loss, noise exposure, or various medical conditions. Objective tinnitus is a rare form where a medical professional can also hear the sound, usually due to a physical source like blood vessel issues or muscle spasms near the ear.
Common Causes of Unilateral Ear Ringing
Ringing in only one ear, known as unilateral tinnitus, can stem from several causes, ranging from minor to more significant conditions. Unilateral tinnitus may indicate a more serious underlying cause than bilateral tinnitus.
One common and easily treatable cause is earwax buildup. Excessive or impacted earwax can block the ear canal, altering pressure and causing perceived sounds, which often subside once removed. Exposure to loud noises can also damage hair cells in one ear, leading to temporary or permanent tinnitus.
Ear infections, such as otitis media or otitis externa, can also cause unilateral ringing. Inflammation and fluid accumulation within the ear can affect pressure and sound perception.
Issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the skull, can also lead to tinnitus in one ear. Problems with this joint can create pressure or nerve irritation perceived as sound in the adjacent ear.
More serious, though less common, causes of unilateral tinnitus warrant careful investigation. Ménière’s disease, an inner ear disorder, often presents with fluctuating hearing loss, vertigo, aural fullness, and tinnitus, frequently in one ear.
An acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) is a non-cancerous growth on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain. This growth can cause unilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. In rare instances, vascular conditions, where blood vessels near the ear have altered blood flow, can cause pulsatile tinnitus, a rhythmic whooshing or pulsing sound synchronized with the heartbeat.
When to Consult a Medical Professional
Seeking medical advice is prudent if ear ringing becomes persistent or is accompanied by other symptoms. Sudden onset or worsening of tinnitus should prompt a medical visit. If the ringing affects only one ear, this is a significant indicator for professional evaluation. A medical consultation is important if tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss, dizziness, ear pain, discharge, or facial weakness or numbness. Tinnitus that beats in sync with the heartbeat warrants immediate attention.
Following a head or neck injury, any new tinnitus should be medically assessed. If tinnitus significantly interferes with daily life, impacting sleep, concentration, or mood, professional guidance can help manage its effects.
A medical evaluation may involve an ear examination and hearing tests, with imaging studies considered if specific concerns arise.
Living With Tinnitus
For individuals with persistent tinnitus, various strategies can help manage the condition and reduce its impact.
Sound therapy involves using external sounds to make tinnitus less noticeable. Background sounds, such as white noise, nature sounds, or soft music, can help the brain shift its focus away from the internal ringing. The goal is often not to completely mask the tinnitus but to provide a background sound that helps the brain habituate to the internal noise.
Identifying and avoiding potential triggers can be beneficial. Loud noise exposure can worsen tinnitus, so using hearing protection in noisy environments is advisable. Some individuals find that excessive caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine can exacerbate their symptoms.
Stress is another factor that can intensify tinnitus, making stress management techniques like meditation or mindfulness useful for many. Over time, the brain can learn to filter out the tinnitus sound, a process known as habituation, where the sound becomes less noticeable and bothersome.