If my ears ring, should I be worried?
Tinnitus is a condition characterized by ringing in the ears. It is an annoying and distressing condition that affects more than two million people in the U.K.
Although bothersome, tinnitus usually isn’t a sign of something serious. Tinnitus isn’t a condition itself, it’s a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury or a circulatory system disorder.
What causes the ringing of ears?
People with tinnitus hear noises ranging from high-pitched ringing to buzzing, humming, and rushing sounds. The noises happen because the tiny hair cells in the inner ear which send sound messages to the brain have been damaged in some way. They send confusing signals that the brain cannot interpret.
Tinnitus may be present all the time, or it may come and go. The gnawing noise may vary in pitch from a low sound to a high squeal, and you may hear it in one or both ears. In some cases, the sound can be so loud it can interfere with your ability to concentrate or hear actual sound.
The main factors known to cause the ringing of ears are:
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