Ringing Ear | Tinnitus | Upper Cervical
What is Tinnitus?
Have you ever noticed a constant ringing, buzzing, clicking, or hissing in your ear without knowing the cause? That’s tinnitus. It affects 1 in 5 people and often worsens with age. While most people think of it as ringing, tinnitus can take many forms, including roaring, beeping, or other sounds.
Tinnitus is not a disease itself, but a sign of an underlying condition. Some causes resolve on their own or with simple lifestyle adjustments, while others may indicate a more serious problem that requires professional care.
How Your Ears Work
Your ear has three parts:
- Outer Ear: Funnels sound waves into the ear canal
- Middle Ear: Mechanically transmits the sound
- Inner Ear: Converts sound waves into nerve signals sent to the brain
Disruption at any stage can lead to tinnitus.
Common Causes of Tinnitus
- Loud noises or noise-induced hearing loss
- Multiple sclerosis
- Ear infections
- Oxidative stress
- Emotional stress
- Foreign objects in the ear
- Aging
- Meniere’s Disease
- Otosclerosis
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Cardiovascular disease or circulatory problems
- Anemia
- Allergies or nasal blockages
- Underactive thyroid gland
- Diabetes
- Neck or jaw problems (e.g., TMJ)
- Head and neck injuries
- Earwax buildup
- Hearing loss
- Medication side effects or withdrawal from certain psychoactive drugs
What Should You Do About Tinnitus?
Sometimes tinnitus resolves on its own—by cleaning your ears or avoiding loud environments—but if the ringing persists, do not ignore it.
A Board Certified NUCCA Doctor can examine your upper cervical vertebrae for misalignments that may be contributing to your tinnitus. Unlike prescription medications that merely mask the symptoms, upper cervical care focuses on correcting the underlying cause, potentially providing long-term relief.