Ringing in ear
Do you suffer from a ringing in your ear?
A ringing in your ear after a festival, concert or performance? Most people suffer from it at some point, sometimes a ringing goes away after a night out and sometimes you hear this ringing for a few days. At least that is how it goes for most people. A part of the population in the Netherlands has a permanent ringing in his or her ear, the name of this is tinnitus. Tinnitus can be described as a noise, ringing or a humming sound in the ear. We will therefore discuss a temporary ringing in the ear and a permanent ringing in the ear to explain the difference between the two. In any case, it is important to always wear earplugs when there is loud noise, so that the most common cause of a ringing in the ear is partially blocked.
Causes of a ringing in the ear
A ringing in the ear can be caused by several things. Old age is a natural cause that can cause people to suffer from a ringing in the ear. The most common cause that people cause themselves is by listening to too loud noise for too long, such as a concert, festival or party. In addition, we see more and more young people with a ringing in the ear due to listening to loud music in combination with headphones or earphones without a limiter. They do not realize that they are constantly listening to too loud noise during the day, which can damage their hearing.
People who work in construction or with loud machinery often experience a ringing in the ear. Long-term exposure to loud noise causes hearing damage. Employers are required to provide hearing protection when noise exceeds the sound limit. However, this often does not happen, which can cause a ringing in the ear.
In addition, stress can also cause a ringing in the ear. Stress has many negative effects on the body and a ringing is one of them. This is a signal that most of us will not immediately link to stress. Do you suffer from this? Then take the time to ensure that your stress level is lowered. Recognizing stress and being able to name stress symptoms will ensure that you can do something about your stress more quickly. A ringing in your ear is very annoying and can be a distraction at work and social moments.
Also, different types of medication can cause a high-pitched ringing in the ear. Medicines for high blood pressure or cancer can have the side effect of causing a high-pitched ringing in the ear. Once you have stopped taking these medications? Then after a while this ringing, buzzing or other ringing sound can disappear. Incidentally, this is not the case with all medications.
In addition, a lot of earwax can also cause a ringing sound. This is easily remedied by a visit to your family doctor. Problems with your teeth, your jaw joint or jaw infections can also cause a ringing sound in the ear. Another reason to visit your dentist every six months!
Have you been in a fight and received a blow to your ear or head? Then you may just be bothered by a ringing or constant sound in your ear. With enough rest, there is a good chance that this ringing will decrease after a few days.
Finally, there are a number of diseases that cause a ringing in the ear. The most well-known diseases are MS and Meniere's disease. In these, the ringing in the ear has nothing to do with external sounds and living with tinnitus is therefore a fixed part of these diseases. Learning to deal with tinnitus is a challenge for patients with this disease.
Temporary ringing in ear
A temporary ringing can be caused by loud noise, a blow to the head, jaw inflammation and a few other factors. One of the important steps you should always take is to protect your hearing. Hearing damage is usually irreversible and you should take care of your hearing. Earplugs are therefore the solution. In addition, it is important to take a rest once you hear a loud ringing. This means no (loud) noises around you for a few days. Leave those headphones alone for a while and give your hearing a few detox days.
Permanent ringing in ear
There are several reasons why you may have a permanent ringing in your ear. Most people develop tinnitus gradually, but not everyone. If you want to know more about tinnitus or ringing in your ears, you can best get help at an audiological center. A team of psychologists, audiologists and fellow sufferers will help you support and accept that high-pitched ringing in your hearing.
Need a hearing aid for ringing in your ears?
A hearing aid (for example a Phonak hearing aid) can help with subtle ringing if there is also a degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss and ringing are two different things that do not always go hand in hand. They are both consequences of hearing damage. If you suffer from a high-pitched ringing in your ear, you do not always need a hearing aid. There are tinnitus maskers on the market that ensure that the sound you hear is drowned out by external noise, of course without causing you hearing loss.
