Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is usually a fleeting problem that will go away on its own. Generally, it’s caused by exposure to loud noises like a concert, construction equipment, or the use of headphones, or even excessive earwax buildup.
Sometimes, however, tinnitus can be caused by less benign concerns that may negatively affect you. If you have severe tinnitus that won’t go away, consider getting checked out by your doctor for one of these potentially serious causes.
Meniere’s Disease
This disease of the inner ear can cause tinnitus through a disruption in the ears’ fluid systems. Usually, this type of tinnitus only occurs in one ear, although it can happen in both. Vertigo is another symptom of Meniere’s disease.
TMJ Disorders
Damage or disorder of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can often cause tinnitus as a result of pain and stress surrounding the area where your lower jaw connects to your skill.
Acoustic Neuroma
While rare, this specific type of brain tumor can grow on the nerve that regulates your hearing, causing your body to generate sounds that aren’t there, including tinnitus. This is another cause that generally results in only one ear being affected.
Head/Neck Cancer
Other types of tumors in the head and neck can disrupt blood flow to the ears, or put pressure on nerves or the bones of the ear. Tinnitus can result from these growths due to faulty information from your nervous system, or due to changes in blood flow in your ears.