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Why Is The Ringing in My Ears Worse Today?

Man on plane whose ringing in the ears worsened.

With tinnitus, it’s common to have good and bad days but why? Over 45 million Americans suffer from ringing in their ears from a condition called tinnitus, according to the American Tinnitus Association, and 90 percent of them also suffer from some level of hearing loss.

But what’s difficult to understand is why it’s nearly non-existent on some days and on others the ringing is so invasive. Some normal triggers might explain it but it’s still unclear why this happens.

What Is Tinnitus?

The following phantom noises are heard by people who suffer from tinnitus:

  • Roaring
  • Buzzing
  • Hissing
  • Clicking
  • Ringing

You hear it, the guy sitting next to you doesn’t, which is part of what makes tinnitus so disturbing. Also, the pitch and volume can vary. It might be gone one day and the next it’s a roar.

What Causes Tinnitus?

The most prevalent cause is a change in a person’s hearing. These changes could be due to:

  • Aging
  • Ear bone changes
  • Noise trauma
  • Earwax build up

Some other potential causes include:

  • Head trauma
  • Acoustic neuroma
  • An issue with the carotid artery or jugular vein
  • Meniere’s disease
  • TMJ issues
  • High blood pressure
  • Tumor in the neck or head
  • Atherosclerosis

For a small fraction of people, there is no apparent reason for them to have tinnitus.

If your tinnitus has just started, consult your doctor to learn what is going on with your ears. The problem might be something treatable or it might be a symptom of a life-threatening condition including high blood pressure or heart disease. It could also be a side effect of a new medication.

For some reason the ringing gets worse on some days.

It’s somewhat of a medical mystery as to why some days are worse than others for those with tinnitus. The reason may be different for each person, also. There are known triggers that might explain it, though.

Loud Events

Loud events like concerts, club music, and fireworks are enough to aggravate your tinnitus. The number one way to go is to use ear protection if you expect to be exposed to a lot of noise. You can enjoy the music at a live performance, for instance, without injuring your ears by using earplugs.

Another thing you can do is to put some distance between you and the source of the noise. For example, don’t stand right beside the speakers at a concert or up front at a fireworks show. Combined with hearing protection, this could lessen the impact.

Loud Noises at Home

Stuff at home can be equally as aggravating as a loud concert. Tinnitus can be triggered by a lawn mower for example. Here are various other sounds from around the house that can cause damage:

  • Laundry – For example, if you fold clothes while the washer is running.
  • Woodworking – Power tools are loud enough to be an issue.
  • Wearing headphones – It could be time to lose the earbuds or headphones. Their job is to increase the volume, and that might be aggravating your ears.

If you can’t stay away from loud noises at least use hearing protection.

Noises at Work

Loud noises on the job have the same impact as a concert or the lawnmower. If you work near machinery or in construction it’s especially crucial to wear ear protection. Your employer will most likely provide ear protection if you make them aware of your worries. Spend your off time giving your ears a rest.

Air Pressure Changes

Many people have experienced ear popping when they take a plane. The change in air pressure combined with the noise from the plane engines can trigger an increase in tinnitus. If you are traveling, take some gum with you to help equalize the air pressure and think about ear protection.

Changes in air pressure occur everywhere not only on a plane. If you have sinus issues, for example, think about taking medication to help relieve them.

Medication

Speaking of medication, that may also be the issue. Some medications are ototoxic, meaning they have an impact on the ears. Included on this list are these common medications:

  • Antibiotics
  • Diuretics
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers

Consult your doctor if you experience an intensifying of tinnitus after you begin taking a new prescription. Switching to something else may be feasible.

For some people tinnitus is not just irritating it’s debilitating. The first step is to find out why you have it and then look at ways to keep it under control from day to day.

Texas State Hearing Aid Device Center 598 S Pioneer Dr., Abilene, TX 79605 (325) 695-1133
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