Ringing in the ears is part of the symptoms associated with the condition tinnitus. Tinnitus and ringing in the ears are often used synonymously, but tinnitus can refer to a variety of persistent noises one might hear “in the ears” as opposed to exterior to the ears. Other sounds that are common are buzzing, whooshing or static sounds. There are numerous things that can cause ringing in the ears or other tinnitus symptoms, and persistent ringing should always be evaluated by a doctor to rule out potentially dangerous conditions.

Some people may notice slight ringing in the ears when they have colds and develop ear infections. Something as innocent as waxy buildup in the ears can also create ringing. It is very common for people exposed to loud noises, like at a rock concert, to temporarily damage hearing, creating tinnitus. Sound trauma to the ears on a regular basis may result in significant hearing loss.

Numerous medications are associated with ringing in the ears. Some forms of oral birth control, “the pill,” have been linked to tinnitus. A few antibiotics may list tinnitus as a side effect. Most commonly, ringing in the ears is linked to the medications aspirin and ibuprofen; other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) may create the problem too. A common side effect of aspirin overdose is tinnitus, but the condition can occur even when aspirin or ibuprofen are taken in lower and safer amounts. If you take either drug regularly, you might want to stop for a few days, provided you have doctor’s approval, to see if this resolves the condition. You might also want to lower caffeine, especially in high doses, since it can create this annoying problem.

Sometimes ringing in the ears is linked to serious medical conditions. People with high blood pressure, thyroid deficiency or with diabetes may experience tinnitus on a regular basis. Continued ringing should mean getting a full medical workup to rule out these dangerous conditions or to diagnose them and begin treatment.

In rare cases, ringing sounds in the ears is linked to a benign tumor called an acoustic neuroma. The tumor arises between the vestibular and cochlear nerve, often called the 8th vestibular-cochlear nerve. In most instances, the tumor occurs on one side only, and ringing is linked to one side only. Though the tumor is located near the brain, surgery tends to successfully remove most of these, with low rate of recurrence. Larger tumors may be difficult to remove and can damage hearing; the surgery is very delicate and patients must be monitored afterwards for potential hearing loss.