Understanding Ringing in Your Ears

That constant ringing, buzzing, or humming in your ears? You’re not imagining it, and you’re certainly not alone. Around one in six Australians experience this at some point in their lives. The good news is there are ways to manage it.

What Is That Sound You’re Hearing?

The ringing you hear is commonly called tinnitus. It can sound different for everyone – some people hear a high-pitched ring, others a low hum, and some describe it as clicking or pulsing.

It’s not actually a condition itself, but rather a symptom that something in your hearing system needs attention. Think of it like a signal from your body.

For many people, tinnitus comes and goes. For others, it’s more constant. Either way, understanding what’s happening is the first step toward finding relief.

Common Causes Worth Knowing About

There are many reasons why you might experience ringing in your ears. Exposure to loud noise – whether from work, concerts, or even lawn mowers – is one of the most common causes.

Age-related hearing changes can also play a role. As we get older, the tiny hair cells in our ears can become less effective, which sometimes triggers tinnitus.

Other factors include ear infections, a build-up of ear wax, certain medications, or even stress and fatigue. Sometimes the cause isn’t immediately clear, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to manage it.

How a Hearing Assessment Can Help

A comprehensive hearing check is often the best starting point. It helps identify whether your tinnitus is connected to any hearing changes and rules out other factors.

Your audiologist will talk through your experiences – when it started, what makes it better or worse, and how it’s affecting your daily life. This helps create a clearer picture.

From there, you can discuss options that many people find helpful. These might include sound therapy, hearing aids with tinnitus features, or relaxation techniques.

Practical Tips That May Help

While professional guidance is important, there are things you can try at home. Many people find that background sounds – like a fan, soft music, or nature sounds – help mask the ringing.

Reducing caffeine and alcohol, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can also make a difference for some people. Everyone’s experience is different.

The key is not to suffer in silence. Tinnitus can feel isolating, but help is available and many people find significant relief with the right support.

If ringing in your ears is affecting your quality of life, our experienced team at CQ Audiology can help you explore your options.