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A "ringing" or a "buzzing" in the ear is called tinnitus. And according to Dr. Craig Shapiro, an otolaryngologist and reconstructive surgeon at Memorial Healthcare System, in most cases it does not suggest a serious illness.
"Tinnitus is very common," he said, "and while it can be bothersome, most cases of tinnitus are completely benign."
In many cases the cause is never found but it is often the result of an ear infection, excessive wax build-up, and loud noises. Some common medications can cause tinnitus as a side effect: most notably aspirin, ibuprofen, antibiotics and birth control pills. Ingesting too much caffeine can also cause the condition and cutting back on caffeine can help. But sometimes tinnitus can be a sign of a more serious problem. It has been associated with hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid disorders. Sometimes it can even be associated with tumors of the acoustic nerve.
"There is a benign tumor called an acoustic neuroma," Shapiro said, "and it often presents with asymmetric tinnitus, a ringing in one ear but not the other."
All cases of persistent tinnitus should be investigated, Shapiro says.While there is no specific treatment for tinnitus, gingko biloba and some prescription medications have proved helpful to some.
By Dr. Sean Kenniff
"Tinnitus is very common," he said, "and while it can be bothersome, most cases of tinnitus are completely benign."
In many cases the cause is never found but it is often the result of an ear infection, excessive wax build-up, and loud noises. Some common medications can cause tinnitus as a side effect: most notably aspirin, ibuprofen, antibiotics and birth control pills. Ingesting too much caffeine can also cause the condition and cutting back on caffeine can help. But sometimes tinnitus can be a sign of a more serious problem. It has been associated with hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid disorders. Sometimes it can even be associated with tumors of the acoustic nerve.
"There is a benign tumor called an acoustic neuroma," Shapiro said, "and it often presents with asymmetric tinnitus, a ringing in one ear but not the other."
All cases of persistent tinnitus should be investigated, Shapiro says.While there is no specific treatment for tinnitus, gingko biloba and some prescription medications have proved helpful to some.
By Dr. Sean Kenniff
