Ringing sound in your ear? 5 warning signs it is not normal

Ringing in the ears (medically called tinnitus) is very common, but it is not always harmless noise. The continuous sound of ringing, buzzing and whooshing may indicate an urgent medical condition that requires immediate doctor visit. Here are 5 important health conditions that tinnitus can signal, so you know when to see a doctor instead of ignoring it. Dr. John Valentine tells us more…1. Sudden Hearing Loss (Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss)One of the most urgent red flags is tinnitus that comes on suddenly along with a noticeable drop in hearing in one ear. This is called sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). It is a medical emergency that needs treatment within a few days to have the best chance of recovering hearing.

The condition known as SSNHL, affects one ear at a time. Its onset can occur either during a single night, or it may develop gradually over several hours. People often describe it as the ear feeling “blocked” or “muffled.” Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing) is a very common symptom in these cases. The patient needs to visit an ENT doctor or seek emergency room care immediately, when this occurs because steroid treatment during the early stages will enhance the treatment results.2. Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)Acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma can cause tinnitus in one ear, when it appears with hearing loss and balance issues. This tumour grows on the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain and can press on nearby nerves and blood vessels.The first sign of one-sided tinnitus appears in most cases before hearing loss and vertigo symptoms become noticeable. This occurs during a time span of months or years. The body shows additional warning signs through dizziness, imbalance, facial numbness or weakness and occasional headaches. If tinnitus is only in one ear and does not go away, an MRI scan is usually needed to rule out this tumour.3. Meniere’s DiseaseThe combination of tinnitus with severe dizziness (vertigo), ear fullness and hearing loss that changes in severity indicates Meniere’s disease, which affects the inner ear structure. Abnormal fluid accumulation develops in the inner ear, leading to Meniere’s disease, which causes hearing problems and balance disorders.Tinnitus in Meniere’s disease is often described as a roaring, buzzing, or ringing sound, that gets worse just before or during a vertigo attack. The duration of these attacks ranges from 20 minutes to extended periods. They become active when someone experiences stress, or consumes salt, caffeine or feels fatigued. The treatment of Meniere’s disease requires early identification followed by dietary restrictions of low salt and medical interventions, which help manage attacks and safeguard hearing function.4. High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular ProblemsThe heartbeat-based sound of pulsatile tinnitus, serves as a medical indicator that signals potential high blood pressure, blocked arteries and blood vessel disorders. This whooshing or thumping sound is often heard in one ear and may be louder when lying down or during exercise.

Pulsatile tinnitus develops when arteries narrow (stenosis), blood pressure reaches high levels, or a small non-cancerous tumor develops in the ear region. Because these conditions increase the risk of stroke or heart attack, it is important to get checked by a doctor, who may order blood pressure tests, an ultrasound of the neck arteries, or an MRI.5. Higher risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseaseResearch conducted during the last few years demonstrates that people who experience tinnitus for long durations become more susceptible to developing neurodegenerative diseases which include Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. The presence of tinnitus does not cause these diseases but it could indicate brain alterations that occur before disease onset and it might share common risk elements with hearing damage, diabetes, and head trauma.

A big research project discovered that people who had tinnitus became 1.5 times more susceptible to developing Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease during the following decade than those who did not have tinnitus. The development of these diseases does not guarantee tinnitus patients but it demonstrates why people need to protect their hearing while controlling their blood pressure and diabetes and visiting their doctor regularly.When to See a DoctorTinnitus does not pose any danger to patients but patients need to seek immediate medical evaluation when they experience specific warning indicators. See a doctor if:Tinnitus onset occurs immediately when someone develops hearing loss in one of their ears.

Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice