If you hear ringing in your ears, here’s what it means

Health problem or simple alert?

Contrary to popular belief, this is not an auditory hallucination. It is a signal produced by the auditory system, even in the absence of external noise. This phenomenon can have a wide variety of origins:

• Noise exposure  : An evening at a concert or prolonged use of headphones at high volume can trigger this phenomenon.
• ENT problems  : ear infections, earwax buildup, jaw disorders (TMJ) or even sinusitis can cause these internal noises.
• Neurological or circulatory problems  : Sometimes a buzzing sound is related to a deeper problem such as poor circulation or unstable blood pressure.
• Stress and anxiety  : Like a pressure cooker that whistles under pressure, our bodies can react to stress in audible ways.
• Medication side effects  : Some treatments can affect hearing.

When should you consult?

A temporary ringing in the ears after a concert is nothing to worry about. But if it becomes frequent, intensifies, or is accompanied by pain, dizziness, or hearing loss, it’s essential to consult an ENT specialist.

Signs that should alert you:

• Constant or increasingly loud noise
• Sudden hearing loss
• Buzzing associated with dizziness
• Persistent blocked ear sensation