Everyone has had ringing in their ears, beeping, humming, hissing, buzzing or whistling. But nobody really knows where it comes from and why you have ringing in your ears or if it is dangerous.
We want to answer these questions for you here and many more questions. We also want to give you tips on how to get rid of ringing in your ears using different methods than resorting to medication.
the essentials in brief
- Ringing in the ears can have many causes, such as stress, cervical spine, blood pressure or a simple cold, but menstruation, hormone changes or menopause can also be a reason for ringing in the ears.
- You can get rid of ringing in the ears with medication, but also with homeopathy, acupuncture or Schuessler salts. Most of the time, ringing in the ears goes away, but it just goes away on its own.
- Chronic ringing in the ears can have a huge impact on your quality of life because you sleep less and hear less. Affects the quality of life in only about 1% of the population. (9)
Definition: What is ringing in the ears?
There is a ringing in the ears. There is ringing, buzzing, buzzing or hissing in the ear for a few seconds or minutes. Then the noise is gone again. This phenomenon is completely normal. If the noise in the ears is perceived continuously or repeatedly for a long period of time, the situation is different. In these cases, the medical term is tinnitus (Latin "tinnire" = ringing, ringing or ringing).
The characteristic of tinnitus is that this type of noise is not caused by the environment but is generated within you and has no informational value for the personnel involved. In fact, few people can hear tinnitus, and then people say "objective tinnitus", like blood vessel stenosis.
Background: What you should know about ringing in the ears
So that you know the exact background of ringing in the ears and know more about it. We have written down the most important questions and answers here for you to expand your knowledge.
How does ringing in the ears sound?
Ringing in the ears sounds like whistling, ringing, beeping or hissing, everyone perceives it differently. Sometimes it also sounds like a hum, hiss, buzz, crackle, throb or hammer.
Why do you get ringing in your ears?
There are many reasons for ringing in the ears. For example, a subjective ringing in the ear can often be attributed to a loss of hearing. On the other hand, a damaged auditory nerve or a damaged auditory cell means that some sounds can no longer be felt. Because the brain lacks these sounds for full hearing. Hearing these tones is simulated.
In this case, the ringing of the ear after the limb is removed corresponds to a phantom limb pain. Medications can also cause ringing in the ears. Therefore, anyone being treated for annoying ringing in their ears should tell their doctor about any medication they are taking. In particular, various diseases such as middle ear infections, colds or high blood pressure can cause ringing in the ears.
Reasons for ringing in the ears?
Ringing in the ears has various causes. It can be caused by stress, a cold, cervical spine or blood pressure. That is why we have put together an overview of the various causes for you here:
stress
Stress is a common cause of ringing in the ears. Because stress causes tension that stimulates the auditory center of the brain. As a result, the affected person feels a hissing or ringing in their ears.
It has been proven that stress increases the susceptibility to ringing in the ears or tinnitus. That came out through a survey of a tinnitus center in Augsburg. Many more people have developed tinnitus due to corona stress (1).
A cold
Ringing in the ears is also common when you have a cold, as hearing is usually limited. You can hear the environment through cotton wool, as if you were hearing a rustling or hissing. This is mainly due to the accumulation of secretions between the nasopharynx and the middle ear in the Eustachian tube.
As a result, the pressure compensation in the ear is no longer as accurate, which can cause the ear to beep. On the other hand, the noise in the ears can indicate the beginning of a middle ear infection. When the cold and inflammation subside, the noise usually goes away.
cervical spine
Hearing and the cervical spine are closely connected. The nerve bundle connects the upper neck joints to the auditory and vestibular nerves in the brain. The other relationship is in the form of the spinal artery. It runs through the bony transverse process of the cervical spine and then runs along the head. The arteries there supply blood to the auditory nerve and the brain core, which balances the nerves.
Ringing in the ears can worsen your quality of life because you constantly have a noise in your ears and sleep poorly or hear poorly (Image source: Ulrike Mai / Pixabay).
Now the muscle tension in the area of ​​the cervical spine stimulates the auditory nerve, causing people to hear the tinnitus. The wear and tear of the spine can affect the vertebral arteries, which can lead to the generation or amplification of ringing in the ears(5,6).
blood pressure
High blood pressure can also trigger a buzzing in the ears. This is usually when the noise in the ear coincides with the pulse. The trigger is, for example, the narrowing of blood vessels in the ear. Blood flow creates sound waves in narrow blood vessels, and high blood pressure makes sounds in the ears sound particularly loud. If blood pressure continues to rise due to stress or exercise, symptoms worsen(11).
Also, with low blood pressure , one can get ringing in the ears a kind of whooshing or throbbing. This usually happens when you get up too quickly or have been sitting for a long time. In addition, dizziness usually occurs.
Other causes can also be music that is too loud because the sensory cells have been damaged and the hearing no longer works properly for a short time. Ringing in the ears can also occur when the ear canal is blocked by wax plugs or foreign objects(4).
When should I see a doctor about ringing in my ears?
First of all, the question is which doctor you should go to, namely an ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT for short). Ringing in the ears usually goes away within 24 to 48 hours. If not, you should see an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
In most cases, ringing in the ears goes away on its own and you don't need a doctor.
He looks for acute tinnitus that needs treatment, including an ear canal exam, hearing test, and a specialized tinnitus analysis. It is recommended that before the exam you should remain calm, relax or do something relaxing. This is because anxiety and stress can increase or worsen ringing in the ears.
Which drugs cause ringing in the ears?
There are several medications that can cause ringing in the ears. That's why we've created an overview for you of the various medications and how often ringing in the ears occurs.
| frequency | drug |
|---|---|
| Very common (greater than 10 percent) | indomethacin |
| Common (1 to 10 percent) | Buspirone, mexiletine, naproxen, peginterferon alfa-2b, piroxicam, interferon alfa-2b, risedronic acid, sertraline, temozolomide |
| Uncommon (0.1 to 1 percent) | Adalimunab, alemtuzumab, amlodipine, amitryptilin, atorvastatin, bortezomib, bupropion, bus piron | cefpodoxim, celecoxib, citalopram, enalapril, frovatriptan, galantamin, imatinib, imiquimod | meloxicam, lopinavir, oxybutynin, paroxetin Onazol, sulfasalazine, tacrolism, triplorelin |
| Rare (greater than 0.1 percent) | Adenosine, amlodipine, anagrelide, articaine, aztreonam, budipine, buserelin acetate, cefepime | ciprofloxacin, gabapentin, gadobenic acid, lidocaine, moxifloxacin, loteprednol etabonate, maprotiline, misoprostol, perflutren gas, quinapril, ramipril, roxithromycin, ticlopidine, valsartan, verapamil, voricon azole |
| Very rare | Amphotericin B, felodipine, ibuprofen, irbersartan, itraconazole, methylergometrine maleate, ofloxacin, paclitaxe |
| isolated | Imipramine, Mefloquine, Trimipramine| |
| In individual cases (less than 0.01 percent) | Dexketoprofen, imipramine, teicoplanin, torasemide |
(3)
Is ringing in the ears dangerous?
Ringing in the ears in itself is not dangerous, but having persistent ringing in the ears or tinnitus can be a real burden and decrease your quality of life. Insomnia results from constant ringing in your ears because you keep waking up or can't fall asleep. Even so, it can become a psychological burden if it constantly beeps in the ear.
Ringing in the ears: what can I do about it?
We want to help you here so that your ringing in your ears stops. In order to find the appropriate method and treatment, the symptoms must be analyzed in detail. That's why we've put together the most important tips for you here.
What home remedies for ringing in the ears?
Too much earwax can cause ringing in your ears. In this case, under no circumstances should you use a cotton swab to remove wax, as this will push the wax even deeper into your ear. Drinking a lot also helps, because drinking a lot is not only good for your health, but also good for your ears.
Onions, garlic, drinking a lot and ginger can help against ringing in the ears.
Onions are a common home remedy that can solve ear problems. If ear ringing is caused by an infection, take advantage of the antibacterial properties of onions. Finely chop the onions and gently heat in a pan so that they become juicy. Let the onions cool and pour in the juice. Put 2 to 3 drops of this liquid in the infected ear and leave it on for 5 minutes. Then tilt your head to the other side to allow the juice to drain. If you use it several times a day during the week, the tinnitus will be reduced.
Garlic helps treat many ailments, including tinnitus. Garlic can improve blood circulation, including blood flow in the ears and brain. In order for the tinnitus to improve over time, you should use one to three cloves of garlic daily. You can also make ear drops with garlic. Mash both cloves and sauté briefly in 1 tablespoon of oil.
After cooling, pour out the liquid and drip 2-3 drops into the ear canal. After five minutes, tilt your head to the other side to allow the liquid to drain. Doing this once a day before bed can reduce tinnitus.
Ginger is a multifunctional remedy. The gingerol and pinanol contained in ginger can not only promote blood circulation, but also have an anti-inflammatory effect. Ginger's aspirin-like properties also help reduce tinnitus symptoms. Grate the ginger and add half a teaspoon to a cup of hot water. Let the ginger tea sit for ten minutes. Drinking this mixture two to three times a day for several days can help relieve tinnitus symptoms.
What medicines for ringing in the ears?
Medications against tinnitus have three goals, such as improving the blood flow in the inner ear, normalizing the disturbed signal processing in the inner ear and auditory nerve area, restoring normal nerve activity in the auditory center of the brain.
The following medications are specifically used to achieve these goals, mainly in the form of an infusion according to specific infusion schedules: Plasma dilators (which increase the amount of fluid in the blood) and vasodilators (such as pentoxifylline) can dilate blood vessels, glutamate receptor blockers such as carverine, or local anesthetics such as novacaine.
High blood pressure can also trigger a buzzing in the ears. This is usually when the noise in the ear occurs synchronously with the pulse. For example, the trigger is the narrowing of blood vessels near the ear (Image source: Elena Rogulina / Pixabay).
In addition, cortisone preparations are often used as part of tinnitus medications. These should have an anti-inflammatory effect on the inside of your ear and should cause water to form. Tinnitus medications are particularly useful in the first six to eight weeks after the onset of tinnitus.
If you don't want to take medication, you can also take vitamin capsules, vitamins C and E in particular are said to help with ringing in the ears. You can also take beta-carotene or selenium. In addition, magnesium deficiency can lead to ringing in the ears, which is why magnesium can also help with ringing in the ears.
Which Schuessler salts for ringing in the ears?
There are various Schüßler salts that can free you from ringing in your ears. Here we have created an overview of Schuessler salts that could help you:
- Schuessler Salt No. 1 Calcium fluoratum D12 : This makes the rigid tissue and the supply arteries in the ear elastic again.
- Schuessler Salt No. 11 Silicea D12 : Relieves the tissue and stabilizes it and counteracts otosclerosis.
- Schuessler salt No. 3 Ferrum phosphoricum D12 : Rush of blood in the head with ringing in the ears.
- Schuessler Salt No. 17 Manganum sulfuricum D12 : For stinging in the ear due to ringing in the ears.
- Schuessler Salt No. 19 Cuprum arsenicosum D6 : Together with No. 3 Ferrum phosphoricum D6, blood circulation is promoted.
All Schüßler salts are used in the same way. Dissolve one tablet in the mouth three times a day (2).
Homeopathy for ringing in the ears?
Homeopathy can also be used for ringing in the ears. In the case of homeopathy for ringing in the ears, a separate homeopathy must be chosen for each affected person. For homeopathy, the choice of remedy is based on detailed patient findings(10).
If the affected patient wants to treat the homeopathic tinnitus independently, the symptoms must also be compared with the usual symptoms of the possible medication. If there are no symptoms other than tinnitus, homeopathic remedies for tinnitus are particularly worthwhile, the possible underlying diseases have been ruled out, and the noise in the ears shows properties. The following remedies can help against ringing in the ears:
| Homeopathic remedy | scope |
|---|---|
| aconite | Ringing in the ears resulting from injury, trauma, or shock |
| Arnica | Ringing in the ears that worsens hearing, possibly caused by a bang, falling, or exposure to constant noise. |
| belladonna | A buzzing sound is heard in the ear. Your hearing is very sensitive and you hear your own voice. |
| Cactus grandiflorum | Ringing in ears with headache and dizziness. Ringing in the ears in the same beat as the pulse and it gets better outside. |
| Calcium carbonicum | Noises in the ears, such as popping, cracking, popping, or clicking, are typical. The triggers are exhaustion of the body or the psyche and overload. Ringing in the ears is more common with chewing or swallowing and may be related to sudden hearing loss. |
| causticum | A blocked ear and hearing your own voice. The trigger is usually some form of sadness. This is usually accompanied by general weakness and tremors. |
| China officinalis | The ringing in the ears sounds like a ringing noise in the ears. The triggers are usually physical and emotional high sensitivity, as well as severe weakness and exhaustion. Headaches can also be present. |
| cocculus | Sensitivity to noise from ringing in the ears with dizziness. This can be due to lack of sleep, jet lag or overexertion. You are usually very excited, sensitive and overworked. |
| coffee | Pervasive buzzing in the ear. The trigger for this is too much coffee or too little sleep and hypersensitivity. Ringing in ears accompanied by pain. |
| Dulcamara | Ringing in the ears from a cold |
| Graphites | Hissing in the ear during the day and roaring or popping at night. |
| Hydrastis | Older people are mostly affected and the ringing in the ears tends to be mechanical or metallic. |
| Ignatia | Ringing in ears from grief. |
| lachesis | Ringing in the ears during menopause, mostly in the left ear. |
| Lycopodium | Mainly the right ear buzzes, buzzes or rustles. It can reverberate like an echo or feel like bubbling. Pressure, stress and overwork are the most common causes of ringing in the ears. It's usually due to sudden hearing loss, night-time teeth grinding, neck problems, and headaches. |
| Nux vomica | Ringing in the ears, such as hissing, roaring or buzzing, which is usually caused by stress, overwork and tension. They can be accompanied by headaches with nausea and vomiting in the morning. |
| petroleum | Ringing in the ears in time with the heartbeat and sounds pounding. The trigger for this is usually grief, overwork, periods, shock or an illness. This is often accompanied by cracked earlobes or fingers and unpleasant-smelling skin rashes. |
| Phosphorus | Ringing in the ears, such as buzzing or hissing, and they reverberate in the ear, making it difficult to hear. The reason for this is usually excitement, overwork, shock, sadness or an illness. Dizziness or sudden hearing loss are usually also associated. |
| Pulsatilla | Rushing, ringing, rustling noises in ears that have an echo and are consistent with the pulse. Usually caused by poor circulation, runny nose or emotional fluctuations. |
| sepia | Ringing, buzzing, or windy ear noises may also have an echo and come in time with the pulse. The reasons for this are usually puberty, hormonal changes, pregnancy, periods or menopause. |
| Silicea | Hissing or roaring noise in the ears that often occurs with dizziness. |
Acupuncture for ringing in the ears?
Acupuncture can also help with ringing in the ears (7). The focus is on the liver and kidney. When using acupuncture to treat tinnitus, the doctor must carefully choose the point where the needle is placed. There is no one-size-fits-all way to help everyone. Instead, treatment must be based on the patient's medical history. This also includes the causes and characteristics of noise in the ears. In this way, conventional medical pre-treatment and diagnosis, as well as acupuncture, complement each other.
Conclusion
Many things can cause ringing in the ears, but this usually goes away after a few hours. If this is not the case or if symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, etc. continue to appear, then you should first see a doctor.
Otherwise it is usually not necessary. There are many ways to treat tinnitus or ringing in the ears, for example through homeopathy, acupuncture, Schuessler salts or medication. So there is actually something for everyone to get rid of their ringing in the ears.
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