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What Does Ringing In The Ear Indicate?

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Posted on Mon, 13 Apr 2015
Question: I have had ringing in my right ear for several years. My ear never hurt and the noise was only audible when I lay down to sleep. Within the last month, I now have ringing in my left ear. It is loud, and I can hear it throught the day.

What could be the cause?

What can I do to eliminate it?

What doctor should I see?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Swarnava Dattagupta (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
AGE RELATED OR DRUG INDUCED TINNITUS; SEE AN ENT SPECIALIST

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query in healthcaremagic.com
This is Dr. Swarnava dattagupta answering your query.

I understand your concern.
You have asked three broad questions. Let me answer them one by one.

1. The ringing in your ears or what we call as Tinnitus has many causes. Considering your age and history, the causes that come to my mind are firstly age-related or presbycusis. It is common in old ages and occurs to many people. Also, hypertension, hypothyroidism and drugs like aspirin etc are known to be associated with tinnitus. If you are exposed to loud noise regularly can also be a cause; collection of ear-wax is another possibility.

2. You can avoid taking alcohol and smoking if any and restrict your salt intake which you might be already doing because of hypertension. Also, talk to your doctor and reduce the dose of aspirin if possible, also reduce dosage of painkillers if you are taking any. If you are exposed to loud noise, use protective measures.

3. You should see an ENT specialist at your earliest. As the causes are many, the treatment options depend on the cause entirely. Your doctor will do some audiometric tests, examine your ears, do some scans maybe to get to the diagnosis and it will be treated accordingly with drugs or surgically.



Hope i have answered your question.
If you have any further questions i will be happy to help.
Regards
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Swarnava Dattagupta

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 906 Questions

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What Does Ringing In The Ear Indicate?

Brief Answer: AGE RELATED OR DRUG INDUCED TINNITUS; SEE AN ENT SPECIALIST Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for posting your query in healthcaremagic.com This is Dr. Swarnava dattagupta answering your query. I understand your concern. You have asked three broad questions. Let me answer them one by one. 1. The ringing in your ears or what we call as Tinnitus has many causes. Considering your age and history, the causes that come to my mind are firstly age-related or presbycusis. It is common in old ages and occurs to many people. Also, hypertension, hypothyroidism and drugs like aspirin etc are known to be associated with tinnitus. If you are exposed to loud noise regularly can also be a cause; collection of ear-wax is another possibility. 2. You can avoid taking alcohol and smoking if any and restrict your salt intake which you might be already doing because of hypertension. Also, talk to your doctor and reduce the dose of aspirin if possible, also reduce dosage of painkillers if you are taking any. If you are exposed to loud noise, use protective measures. 3. You should see an ENT specialist at your earliest. As the causes are many, the treatment options depend on the cause entirely. Your doctor will do some audiometric tests, examine your ears, do some scans maybe to get to the diagnosis and it will be treated accordingly with drugs or surgically. Hope i have answered your question. If you have any further questions i will be happy to help. Regards