Resources
Ear Ringing Resources
Everything you need to understand tinnitus — what it sounds like, what causes it, and how to manage it day to day.
Ringing · Buzzing · Whooshing
What Does Tinnitus Sound Like?
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a continuing perceived sound where no external source is present. It may be in one or both ears. It is considered subjective, since only the person who has the condition can actually hear it.
Some describe the sound as a high-pitch whistle. Others describe a buzz, chirp, whoosh, or pulse. Pitch varies too. The consistent characteristic is that the sound is constant and relentless — an indication of a possible issue in the inner ear or auditory system.
The sounds of tinnitus
If what you hear matches any of these — and no one else can hear it — talk to an audiologist or ENT to confirm it’s tinnitus.
“TIN-ni-tus” or “ti-NIGHT-us”?
Both. Even the American Tinnitus Association can’t decide — “both pronunciations are correct.” We wrote up the whole debate, Fred Astaire reference included.
Read: How Do You Pronounce Tinnitus?Know your triggers
Causes of Tinnitus
People from all over the country and all walks of life experience tinnitus. There’s not yet a cure, but there are ways to keep it from getting worse — and understanding the common causes is a good place to start.
Loud noises
Nearly one-third of tinnitus cases trace back to noise damage. Factories, the military, construction, concerts — extreme volumes damage and weaken the delicate cells in your ears.
Aging
Gradual hearing loss usually starts around age 60 and can cause tinnitus. With age, the little bones in our ears can also stiffen — and noise-related damage accumulates.
Medications
High-dose aspirin, NSAIDs, antibiotics, cancer medicines, diuretics, and some antidepressants are linked to tinnitus. Never stop a medication without talking to your doctor first.
Earwax buildup
Earwax normally cleans and protects the ear — but too much can cause pain, tinnitus, or hearing loss. Skip the cotton swabs; see a professional or use a cleansing aid.
Medical conditions
Nasal congestion, barotrauma, traumatic brain injury, Ménière’s disease, and other conditions can all lead to tinnitus. A specialist can help rule these out.
6 ways to take control
Tips for Managing Tinnitus
Understand your tinnitus
See a specialist to confirm it’s tinnitus, review your medications with them (even ordinary aspirin can trigger episodes), and keep a record of symptoms, diet, and stress to spot your triggers.
Protect your ears
Loud workplaces, concerts, and crowded events can damage hearing and aggravate tinnitus. Invest in ear plugs or noise-canceling headphones — or skip the loudest environments.
Watch stress, sugar & salt
Stress can make tinnitus worse — journal it and reduce it one source at a time. Nicotine, salt, artificial sweeteners, sugar, and alcohol are common food triggers to watch.
Stay positive
Many sufferers notice their tinnitus less and less over time. Consider your attitude part of the treatment — don’t make negative predictions about your condition.
Seek out support
A licensed therapist can teach new coping skills, and support groups — online or in your community — let you share experiences and learn from people who get it.
Try a nutritional supplement
With consistent use as directed, the nutrients in LIPO Ear Ringing have been shown to improve tinnitus symptoms in some people. In a survey of 250 ENTs, 47% recommend Lipo-Flavonoid by name.*
Make the appointment count
Prepare for Your Doctor’s Visit
A little preparation before you leave home helps you get every answer you need. Download the toolkit, print it, and fill out what you can.
What should I bring?
- — Medications, supplements & vitamins you are taking
- — A symptom diary: sound, pitch, frequency — at least a week
- — Your medical history
- — LIPO product information for your doctor to review
Questions to ask
- — Could my medications be contributing to my tinnitus?
- — How can I fall and stay asleep more easily?
- — What steps can I take to minimize the ringing?
- — Is there any reason I couldn’t try LIPO (Lipo-Flavonoid)?
How doctors test for tinnitus
- — Audiological exam — overall hearing health
- — Electrocochleography — inner-ear electrical activity
- — Vestibular (balance) tests — inner-ear disturbances
- — MRI — rules out other serious conditions
The research connection
PTSD and Tinnitus
Marc Fagelson, Ph.D., a professor of audiology at East Tennessee State University, noticed that his tinnitus patients who rated themselves most distressed shared something in common: PTSD. A four-year study of 300 veterans in the American Journal of Audiology backed it up — and found that anxiety from PTSD made tinnitus more severe.
Neither condition can be cured, but both can be managed. LIPO Ear Ringing is a natural bioflavonoid product, used and studied for decades, that can provide relief for people who suffer from ringing in the ears.
“The patients who had PTSD almost invariably were more bothered by their tinnitus than the patients who didn’t.”
Marc Fagelson, Ph.D. · Professor of Audiology
Sources: The Hearing Journal (2013) · PubMed 18056879
of patients at a VA tinnitus clinic also carried a PTSD diagnosis
American Journal of Audiology, 300 veterans over four years
Quick answers
Tinnitus FAQs
Is ringing in the ears a disease?
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No. Ringing in the ears has many possible causes or contributing factors, but it is not a disease. Occupational exposure to loud noises and certain medications — including aspirin and ibuprofen — are among the most common contributors.
What kind of doctor diagnoses and treats ringing in the ears?
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Otolaryngologists, also known as Ear, Nose and Throat specialists (ENTs), are the most familiar with ringing in the ears.
Is tinnitus permanent? Will it just ‘go away’ eventually?
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Ringing in the ears may be temporary… or permanent. It is important to find mechanisms to improve quality of life for as long as tinnitus is an issue.
Is there a cure for ringing in the ears?
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It is generally acknowledged that there is no “cure” for ringing in the ears. However, there is general agreement in the medical community that about 80% of patients seeking medical assistance are able to improve their quality of life by following a regimen which avoids environmental and therapeutic triggers.
Why is nutritional support for the inner ear important?
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The human ear is an enormously complex system which depends on tiny hair-like sensors in the inner ear to convert external vibrations into recognizable sounds. Inflammation, irritation, or trauma can be very disruptive in the inner ear, and the blood vessels which serve this area are extremely small — so a healthy supply of the right nutrients matters.
What should I keep consistent while trying supplements for tinnitus?
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Keep the following factors consistent: diet, caffeine, alcohol, prescription medications, other medications and supplements, and your sleep schedule.
Ear ringing?
Ready to Try LIPO Ear Ringing?
LIPO Ear Ringing is the #1 recommendation of ENT doctors for their patients with ringing in the ears.*