Should I see a doctor: Ringing in the ear

No, that ringing sound you’re hearing isn’t just in your head — but people around you probably can’t hear it, either.

Tinnitus may sound different to everyone, from a ringing, whooshing or hissing to static from a television, an electric zap or chorus of crickets. The primary indicator it’s tinnitus, though, is when the sound can’t be attributed to an external source.

So, when does tinnitus evolve from a minor annoyance to a debilitating condition?

What’s ‘normal’

Having tinnitus from time to time or in cases where it can be directly associated with a temporary illness or injury are not reason for serious concern. Think: a change in medication, head or neck injuries, or migraines.

Tinnitus is also commonly associated with hearing loss — about 70 percent of people with hearing loss will experience tinnitus. Additionally, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders often cause tinnitus due to injury to the joint that connects your jaw to your skull.

What’s ‘not normal’

Just because tinnitus is common and can often be easily explained doesn’t mean you should ignore your symptoms.

When tinnitus becomes so constant you can’t ignore it, it’s disrupting your sleep or ability to concentrate, or it’s impacting your mental health (potentially leading to anxiety or depression), it’s time to speak with your doctor or other health care provider.

How to care for your condition

Unfortunately, there is no cure for tinnitus. Very few people are lucky enough to eliminate symptoms completely, and the ringing may still come back. For most people, the primary focus should be on lessening symptoms as best as possible with the help of a provider.

Aside from treating underlying conditions, the first thing you can do — and likely the hardest — is learning to regulate your reaction by making the internal choice to ignore the sound.

Other strategies that may help include stopping/reducing nicotine, alcohol and caffeine consumption; masking the noise through low-level music during the day or white noise at night; and avoiding triggers (for example, managing your stress). Your provider may also have other suggestions for living with the ringing.

Medical information provided for this piece by Eugene Spindler, AuD with MultiCare ENT, Allergy & Medical Aesthetics – Covington.