Categories

Although there are no proven exact causes of ear ringing, there are several sources which are likely to have some involvement in ear ringing. The inner ear has thousands of tiny cells known as auditory cells. These auditory cells are intended to retain electrical charge. On the surface of each individual auditory cell are microscopic hairs which form a fringe.

When healthy, this fringe moves according to the sound waves which triggers the auditory cell to release electricity via the auditory nerve, onto the brain where the these electrical signals are recognized as sound. However, if these microscopic hairs are damaged, their movement is disrupted, they’re incapable of maintaining electrical signals and the brain interprets them as noise rather than sound. The result is ear ringing and is likely caused by one of several factors.

Ear ringing or tinnitus may be caused by age-related hearing loss. As people get older, usually beginning around sixty years of age, many have difficulty hearing. Many years of being exposed to different sounds and simply the aging process may damage the inner ear which can lead to tinnitus.

Ear ringing causes include noise –related damage to the inner ear. Many people work in noisy environments and operate noisy equipment. Over a period of time, this exposure to loud noise may result in hearing loss and ear ringing. Nowadays people are using MP3 players or iPods as portable music devices. Many people have a tendency to turn the volume way up, making the music extremely loud and potentially causing damage to the inner ear which may result in ear ringing.

Other potential ear ringing causes include over-use or long-term use of certain medications such as aspirin and specific types of antibiotics. These drugs have the ability to affect the cells of the inner ear. However once people stop taking these drugs, the ear ringing and annoying noises may disappear. Changes in a person’s middle ear bones may affect their hearing. Injuries to the neck or head may be responsible for damaging the inner ear and causing ear ringing. Tumors in the neck or head may cause tinnitus. Disorders of the blood vessels may cause a type of ear ringing known as pulsatile tinnitus.

Again age is a factor since as people get older blood vessels near the inner or middle ear may be blocked because of cholesterol and other fatty deposits causing a loss of elasticity. Because of this, blood flow becomes forceful and makes it easy for the individual’s ear to pick-up the beats. People with high blood pressure may have problems with ear ringing. There are many likely ear ringing causes. To determine the source of the problem, a person should always seek medical advice.