Chronic ringing in the ears could be a result of tinnitus, where a person hears sound regardless of an external sound source. Having tinnitus can affect a person’s daily activities and sleep.
Although there is no cure for tinnitus, it can be managed.
About one in five people will experience the perception of noise, which can sound like ringing, buzzing, whistling, or cracking. Around 90 percent of tinnitus patients also have some level of hearing loss. This makes doctors suspect that hearing loss may play a role in tinnitus.
When we are exposed to loud noises, it can damage the tiny hairs in the ears which help us hear. It is theorized that damage to these small hairs plays a role in tinnitus.
Some management remedies for tinnitus include using a hearing aid, using a sound generator, or tinnitus retraining therapy.
If ringing in the ears is causing challenges in your daily life, your first step is to undergo a hearing test. From there, you can work with your doctor to find treatment options that best suit your daily life.