What's causing the ringing in my ears?

If you have ringing or hissing or buzzing in your ears, you have what medical experts refer to as “tinnitus."

Experts have tried to pinpoint an exact physiological cause of tinnitus, but the mystery remains unsolved. Exposure to loud noise, head injuries, medication, and even earwax are thought to trigger the onset or worsen existing tinnitus. The sad fact is, science and medical professionals have yet to figure out what causes ringing in the ears. 

Some people experience tinnitus after a single exposure to loud noise. Others attribute their tinnitus to a lifetime of not wearing hearing protection. Still others say their tinnitus started while battling a cold and flying.

What we do know is that tinnitus is too common, affecting 1 in 6 Americans which is over 50 million people. Tinnitus usually accompanies hearing loss, although hearing loss is not believed to be caused by tinnitus. The reverse is also true: Tinnitus is not caused by hearing loss, even when the two are present together.

We also know that however it started, whatever it sounds like, and regardless of whether the tinnitus is mild or severe, each and every tinnitus sufferer wants the same thing — relief.

Is there a way to stop the ringing in your ears? 

Unfortunately, a tinnitus cure is something else science and medical professionals have yet to figure out. But while there is no cure for tinnitus, there are effective treatment options available.

Specially designed hearing aids with tinnitus technology are becoming more popular, as they are proven to help. They deliver a customizable sound stimulus that can soothe the annoying sounds associated with tinnitus and provide relief.