If you’ve ever noticed a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in your ears that no one around you seems to hear, you’re not imagining it and you’re far from alone. That phantom sound has a name: tinnitus. As an audiologist here in Arvada, it’s one of the most common concerns patients bring through our doors, and one of the most misunderstood. This guide walks you through what tinnitus actually is, why it happens, and when that ringing is worth getting checked.
What Is Tinnitus, Exactly?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. Most people describe it as ringing, but it can also show up as buzzing, hissing, roaring, clicking, or even a musical hum. It might be in one ear, both ears, or seem to come from somewhere inside your head. For some people it’s a faint background noise they only notice in a quiet room; for others it’s loud enough to interfere with sleep, focus, and conversation.
Here’s the key thing to understand: tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease. It’s a signal that something in your auditory system is changing much like a fever signals that your body is fighting something.
What Causes Ringing in the Ears?
There’s no single cause, but the most common ones we see in practice include:
- Noise exposure. Years of loud sound such as concerts, machinery, firearms, even loud music through earbuds. This loud noise can damage the tiny hair cells in your inner ear. This is the single most common cause we encounter.
- Age-related hearing loss. As hearing naturally changes with age, tinnitus often appears alongside it. In fact, the two frequently travel together.
- Earwax buildup. Sometimes the cause is wonderfully simple. A blockage of earwax against the eardrum can trigger ringing that disappears once it’s safely removed.
- Certain medications. Some medications list tinnitus as a side effect. If your ringing started after a new prescription, it’s worth mentioning to your provider.
- Underlying health conditions. High blood pressure, jaw (TMJ) problems, and certain ear conditions can all contribute.
The list is varied and not single causes but moreover proposed theories.
Is Tinnitus Connected to Hearing Loss?
Very often, yes. Many people are surprised to learn that the same inner-ear changes behind hearing loss are frequently behind tinnitus too. When the ear stops picking up certain frequencies, the brain can essentially “turn up the volume” on its own internal noise to compensate and that’s a theory about why you might hear the ringing. This is also why, for a lot of people, treating the underlying hearing loss can quiet the tinnitus. We’ll come back to that idea later in this series.
When Should You See an Audiologist About Ringing Ears?
Occasional brief ringing after a loud concert is normal and usually fades. But it’s worth scheduling an evaluation if:
- The ringing lasts more than a week or keeps coming back
- It’s in only one ear
- It’s accompanied by hearing loss, dizziness, or ear pain
- It’s loud enough to disrupt your sleep, concentration, or mood
- It came on suddenly
If your tinnitus appeared suddenly or is paired with sudden hearing loss in one ear, treat it as time-sensitive and seek care promptly rather than waiting.
The Good News About Tinnitus
Tinnitus can feel frightening, especially in those first weeks when you can’t stop noticing it. But here’s what we tell every patient: it is highly manageable. We can’t always make the sound vanish entirely, but a lot of people find their ringing fades into the background of daily life. Modern hearing technology, sound therapy, and proven coping strategies have provided some source of relief, and we’ll cover all of those over the coming posts in this series.
Get Your Tinnitus Evaluated in Arvada
If ringing in your ears has been bothering you, the first step is simply finding out what’s behind it. A comprehensive hearing test in Arvada can help identify whether your tinnitus is connected to underlying hearing loss. At Denison Hearing, Dr. Margaret Denison provides thorough tinnitus and hearing evaluations in a calm, unhurried setting. Call us at (303) 424-3274 or book an appointment online. We’d love to help you understand what you’re hearing and what you can do about it.