Ringing in Ears (Tinnitus): What’s Causing It and What You Can Do

Ringing in the ears—tinnitus—can be annoying, scary, or both. Sometimes it’s temporary after a loud concert. Other times it’s a sign of something that needs medical attention. Below are clear, practical steps to figure out what’s going on and what you can try right now.

Common causes you should know

Earwax that’s packed in can make sounds seem louder or create ringing. Exposure to loud noise (earbuds at full volume, workplace noise) often leads to temporary or lasting tinnitus. Hearing loss from age or noise damage frequently brings tinnitus along. Inner ear problems like Meniere’s disease, ear infections, or a middle ear bone problem can also cause ringing.

Medications and chemicals can trigger tinnitus too. High doses of aspirin, some NSAIDs, certain antibiotics (especially aminoglycosides), loop diuretics, and some cancer drugs are known offenders. If you started a new medicine and ringing began, ask your pharmacist or doctor whether the drug could be responsible before stopping it yourself.

When to see a doctor

Call for urgent care if your tinnitus starts suddenly or comes with sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or weakness on one side of the face. Pulsatile tinnitus—when you hear a rhythm like your heartbeat—needs evaluation because it may point to a blood-flow issue. If the ringing is constant, getting worse, or keeps you from sleeping or working, book an appointment with an ENT (ear, nose, and throat doctor) or an audiologist.

Expect simple tests first: an ear exam to look for wax or infection, a hearing test (audiogram), and sometimes imaging (CT or MRI) if your doctor suspects a structural problem. These tests help rule out treatable causes and guide whether treatment or rehabilitation makes sense.

What helps right away? Try avoiding loud environments and use ear protection when noise is unavoidable. Cut back on caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol for a few weeks to see if symptoms ease. Soft background sound—like a fan, low-level music, or a white-noise machine—often reduces the perception of ringing and helps with sleep.

Longer-term options include hearing aids (if hearing loss is present), sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to reduce distress, and tinnitus retraining therapy. No single pill fixes tinnitus for everyone; some people find relief with targeted therapy, others learn coping strategies that make the sound much less disruptive.

Want a quick checklist? 1) Check for earwax or a new medication. 2) Protect your ears from loud sounds. 3) Use low background noise at night. 4) See an ENT or audiologist if it’s sudden, pulsatile, or affects daily life. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before changing any meds.

If you need links to trusted drug guides or want to review medicines that might cause tinnitus, our site has clear articles on common drugs and side effects. You don’t have to live with constant ringing—start with a checkup and simple changes, and go from there.