You have good days, and you have bad days, that’s commonplace for individuals who suffer from tinnitus but why? More than 45 million Americans suffer from ringing in their ears due to a condition called tinnitus, according to the American Tinnitus Association, and 90 percent of them also suffer from some degree of hearing loss.
But what is hard to comprehend is why it’s nearly non-existent on some days and on others the ringing is so intrusive. Some normal triggers may explain it but it’s still unclear why this occurs.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus describes a condition where the patient hears phantom noises such as:
- Ringing
- Hissing
- Roaring
- Buzzing
- Clicking
One of the things that makes tinnitus so disturbing is that you hear it but no one else can. The noise can vary in pitch and volume, too. It might be gone one day and the next it’s a roar.
What is The Cause of Tinnitus?
Alterations in a person’s hearing are the most common cause. These changes might be due to:
- Noise trauma
- Aging
- Earwax build up
- Ear bone changes
There are other potential causes, as well, like:
- Acoustic neuroma
- Atherosclerosis
- Meniere’s disease
- Tumor in the head or neck
- High blood pressure
- An issue with the carotid artery or jugular vein
- TMJ problems
- Head injury
Sometimes there is no obvious reason for tinnitus.
If your tinnitus has just started, consult your doctor to learn what is going on with your ears. The problem may be a symptom of a life threatening condition like heart disease or it might be something treatable. It could also be a side effect of a new medication.
Why Does the Ringing Get Worse on Some Days?
The explanation for why tinnitus gets worse on some days is a bit of a medical mystery. And there may be many reasons depending on the person. There are known triggers that may explain it, though.
Loud Events
Your tinnitus can be aggravated by loud events such as concerts, club music, and fireworks. If you expect to be subjected to loud noise, your best choice is to wear hearing protection. You can enjoy the music at a concert, for example, without harming your ears by putting in earplugs.
You can also stay away from the source of the sound. For example, don’t stand right beside the speakers when attending a live performance or up front at a fireworks display. With this and hearing protection, the damage to your hearing will be reduced.
Loud Noises at Home
Loud noises around your house can also be harmful. For example, mowing the lawn is enough to trigger tinnitus. Consider other things you do at home that might be a problem:
- Laundry – For instance, if you fold clothes while the washer is running.
- Woodworking – Power tools are loud enough to be an issue.
- Wearing headphones – It could be time to get rid of the earbuds or headphones. Their job is to increase the volume, and that could be irritating your ears.
If there are things you can’t or aren’t willing to avoid such as woodworking, wear hearing protection.
Workplace Noise
Loud noises at work have the same impact as a concert or the lawnmower. It’s especially important to wear hearing protection if you work in construction or are around machines. Talk to your manager about your ear health; they will probably supply the hearing protection you need. Let your ears rest during your off time.
Changes in Air Pressure
Many people have experienced ear popping when they take a plane. An increase in tinnitus can happen because of the noise of the plane engine and the change in pressure. Consider ear protection if you are traveling and bring some gum to equalize the air pressure.
You can experience changes in pressure without leaving your home, too. Taking the proper medication to relieve sinus pressure is also helpful.
Medication
Medication may also be the problem. Some drugs are ototoxic, meaning they affect the ears. Some common drugs on the list include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Antibiotics
- Diuretics
Consult your doctor if you experience an intensifying of tinnitus after you start taking a new medication. Switching to something else may be a possibility.
For some people tinnitus is not just annoying it’s disabling. To be able to figure out how to control it from day to day, the first step is to find out what’s causing it.
