What is ringing in the ears (tinnitus)?

Many people have tinnitus. If you have this condition, it means you hear a sound, such as ringing or roaring, that doesn't come from your surroundings. No one else can hear it.

The sound might seem like it comes from inside your head. It can be heard in one or both ears. You may hear the sound all the time, but it also may come and go.

The sound may keep time with your heartbeat. It may sound like your own pulse is beating in your ears. Or it may keep pace with your breathing.

You may notice tinnitus most when you're in a quiet place. This happens because, when you're not in a quiet place, the background noise may mask the sound of ringing in your ears.

Your doctor will ask questions and may do tests to find the cause of your tinnitus. You may have certain hearing tests. You also may have a CT scan or an MRI.

Here are some of the questions your doctor may ask.

• When did you start having ringing in your ears?
• How would you describe it?
• Have you been around loud noise lately?
• Have you had any recent injuries?
• What medicines are you taking?
• Do you have a cold, any ear pain, or congestion?

There isn't a cure for tinnitus, but your doctor can give you ideas on how to manage it. There are things you can do to ease the way it affects your life. One example is to use background noise to mask the sound. Your doctor may suggest hearing aids.

• Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Nicotine reduces blood flow to the ear and makes tinnitus worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Talk to your doctor about whether to stop taking aspirin and similar products such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
• Get exercise often. It can improve blood flow to the ear.

Ways to cope with noise

Some tinnitus may last a long time. To cope with noise, try to:

• Avoid noises that you think caused your tinnitus. If you can't avoid loud noises, wear earplugs or earmuffs.
• Ignore the sound by paying attention to other things.
• Relax using biofeedback, meditation, or yoga. Feeling stressed and being tired can make tinnitus worse.
• Play music or white noise to help you sleep. Background noise may cover up the noise that you hear in your ears. You can buy a machine that makes soothing sounds, such as ocean waves.