Tinnitus is the perception of sound within the ears or head when no external sound is present, manifesting as ringing, buzzing, clicking, hissing, or roaring. While a common symptom, some individuals experience tinnitus that changes or disappears when they plug their ear. This interaction offers insight into its potential causes and mechanisms.
Why Plugging Your Ear Changes Tinnitus
Plugging the ear can alter the perception of tinnitus through several mechanisms, primarily by affecting the acoustic environment and pressure within the ear. One significant factor is the masking effect, where blocking external sounds can make internal sounds less noticeable. If the tinnitus is soft, the reintroduction of ambient noise when the ear is unplugged can effectively cover or “mask” the internal sound, making it less prominent. Conversely, in a quiet environment or when earplugs block external noise, the internal tinnitus sound may become more noticeable because there is less background noise to obscure it.
Changes in pressure within the ear canal or middle ear can also influence tinnitus perception. Inserting a finger or earplug can temporarily alter this pressure, which might reduce certain types of tinnitus, especially those linked to middle ear issues. The eardrum and tiny bones in the middle ear are sensitive to pressure changes, and manipulating them can sometimes provide temporary relief. This physical manipulation can also affect the perception of tinnitus linked to muscle or jaw issues, known as somatic tinnitus.
Common Causes for This Specific Tinnitus
Several underlying conditions can lead to tinnitus that is affected by plugging the ear, often due to their impact on the ear’s mechanics or surrounding structures. Earwax buildup is a frequent cause; excessive wax can physically block sound waves, create pressure in the ear canal, or even press on the eardrum. This blockage can induce a ringing or buzzing sound that may be masked or altered when the ear is plugged, and its removal often resolves the tinnitus.
Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) can also contribute to this type of tinnitus. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, regulating pressure. When this tube does not function correctly, it can lead to pressure changes, a feeling of ear fullness, and tinnitus that might be temporarily relieved by actions that equalize pressure, such as plugging the ear or yawning. Similarly, middle ear muscle spasms, involuntary contractions of tiny muscles within the ear, can create clicking or thumping sounds. These sounds can be affected by pressure changes or masking, which may be influenced by plugging the ear.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, affecting the jaw joint, are another common source of tinnitus that can be modulated by external pressure. The TMJ is located close to the ear, and tension or dysfunction in the jaw muscles can influence the auditory system. Physical pressure from plugging the ear or moving the jaw can sometimes temporarily alleviate tinnitus linked to these muscle or joint issues. Conductive hearing loss, which occurs when sound transmission to the inner ear is blocked, can also make existing tinnitus more noticeable, as the absence of external sounds can highlight the internal noise.
When to Consult a Professional
While the temporary change in tinnitus upon plugging the ear can offer some insight, it is important to seek professional medical evaluation for persistent or concerning symptoms. A healthcare provider, such as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or an audiologist, can accurately diagnose the underlying cause. This is particularly important if the tinnitus is chronic, worsening, or significantly impacts your daily life, including sleep or concentration.
Specific “red flags” warrant immediate medical attention. Tinnitus occurring in only one ear (unilateral tinnitus) can be a sign of more serious underlying conditions, such as a benign tumor on the auditory nerve or Meniere’s disease. The presence of associated symptoms like hearing loss, dizziness, vertigo, ear pain, ear discharge, or facial weakness also necessitates a prompt evaluation. If the tinnitus beats in sync with your heartbeat, known as pulsatile tinnitus, it is also a red flag that requires assessment to rule out vascular issues.
During a professional evaluation, a doctor may perform a physical examination, including an inspection of the ear canal and eardrum, and conduct hearing tests. Depending on the findings, further diagnostics such as imaging (e.g., MRI) might be necessary to identify the cause.