Tinnitus can be hard to bear, but what happens if it is in just one ear?
Tinnitus is the sound of ringing, whooshing, or whistling in your ears that isn’t coming from an outside source. The most common cause of tinnitus is hearing loss. However, many things can cause the condition, from emotional stress to underlying medical issues and even too much nicotine or alcohol. But what does it mean when you experience tinnitus in one ear only? Tinnitus in one ear can have different causes than tinnitus experienced in both ears. Let’s explain unilateral tinnitus, and how to get rid of tinnitus in one ear.
What is Unilateral Tinnitus?
Unilateral tinnitus manifests as a ringing sensation in a single ear. It differs from the bilateral type, where you experience auditory disturbances in both ears. Also, it can vary in intensity and pitch, occurring either as a steady noise or coming and going at intervals. The types of sounds that can be heard include:
- Ringing
- Buzzing
- Humming
- Hissing
- Roaring
- Clicking
What Causes Tinnitus in One Ear?
Exposure to Loud Noises
One of the most common triggers is exposure to loud noises, from blaring music at concerts to heavy machinery. Such intense noise levels can damage the delicate, hair-like structures in your inner ear, disturbing your auditory processing and leading to tinnitus in one ear.
Ear Infections and Wax Buildup
Bacterial or viral ear infections can inflame the auditory structures, resulting in temporary tinnitus. Similarly, earwax buildup can obstruct the ear canal, causing sounds to reverberate and leading to unilateral tinnitus symptoms.
Stress and Lifestyle
High stress levels can heighten your sensitivity to tinnitus. In fact, extended periods of anxiety or tension can even transform occasional episodes into constant distress in the affected ear.
What Does Tinnitus In One Ear Mean?
Unilateral tinnitus can be a warning sign of a serious medical condition. Compared to bilateral tinnitus, it is more likely to have an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed. Doctors consider unilateral tinnitus a red flag, so do not try to wait for the tinnitus to go away on its own. In cases like this, a medical professional can determine if your tinnitus could be a symptom of something serious.
If you are experiencing ringing, humming, buzzing in one or both ears, the audiologists at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions, LLC may be able to help. We conduct tinnitus evaluations for patients in Ellicott City, Baltimore, Catonsville, Columbia, Sykesville, and all of Howard, Carroll, and Baltimore County.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
You can call us today to schedule a FREE Hearing Protection Consultation at 410-698-6594! For more blog posts, news, and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.