What Causes Ringing in the Ears – Tracing the Source

There are things that we are so used to doing that we do not even realize that they are harmful to us. One of this is listening to music with our MP players set to the maximum volume. We enjoy doing it, and think it is alright when it is not. We should realize that what causes ringing in the ears, primarily, has something to do with some damage in ours due to repeated exposure to very loud noises.

It is worth taking note of that around 90% of the cases of tinnitus is caused by noise-induced cochlear damage. Sudden exposure to loud noises such as gunshots and fireworks and repeated exposure to loud noises contribute to this. If you are fond of listening to music with your MP3 players set to a high volume or going to concerts and staying near the speakers, then perhaps it is high time that you do something about it.

It is not that you give up doing things you enjoy doing, but remember to do them in moderation. Like for example, when you go to concerts, do not stay near the speakers. It would also help big time if you wear earplugs to protect your ears. Or when listening to music, make sure to set the volume of your MP3 player to not more than 60% of the player's maximum volume. Ringing in the ear can prove to be annoying and you would not want to experience it.

Aside from from noise-induced cochlear damage, there are other known causes, though. These include stress, sinusitis, allergies, Meniere's Disease, earwax impaction, age-associated hearing loss, head trauma, muscle tension, thyroid disorder, vitamin B12 deficiency, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and malformation of the capillaries.

When you experience ear ringing, go see your doctor as soon as you can so that he or she can run some tests to determine the root cause of the unwanted sound. Having the root cause determined is very important as tinnitis is a symptom, hence, it should primarily be treated according to what caused it. Specialized tests may also be conducted. Examples of these tests include X-rays, audiogram, residual inhibition, and evoked response audiometry.

The importance of knowing what causes ringing in the ears cannot be overemphasized. It is through this knowledge that you are able to know your options, find the appropriate treatment, or prevent yourself from having tinnitus.