Q I keep hearing a continuous ringing sound in my ear even when there's no external noise. Why does this happen?
A When the hair cells inside the cochlea are damaged or the auditory nerve becomes abnormally excited, the brain generates a sound signal that isn't really there. This is the core mechanism of tinnitus, and the most common causes are noise exposure, age-related hearing loss, and stress.
Detailed Answer
Inside the cochlea are hair cells that convert sound waves into electrical signals. When these cells are damaged by noise exposure, aging, or ototoxic medications, the auditory nerve becomes spontaneously over-excited, and the brain perceives sound coming in even when there is none. This is tinnitus. It can appear as ringing, buzzing, or pulsing sounds, and may occur alone or together with hearing loss or dizziness. If tinnitus and hearing loss suddenly occur together in one ear, it may be a sign of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, which requires prompt examination.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, we do not view tinnitus as damage to the ear alone. We interpret it as the combined result of a Kidney-Deficiency (sinheo) state, in which weakened Kidney (sin) energy reduces the supply of qi and blood to the ear, together with upward-rising Heat (sangyeol), in which stress and overwork drive heat upward to irritate the ear. Rather than simply suppressing the ear symptoms, we treat the underlying internal background as well by tonifying the Kidney deficiency and clearing the rising heat.
Related FAQs
-
Q
Is it possible for tinnitus to completely disappear, or do I just have to live with it?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
Along with tinnitus, my hearing seems to have dropped a little. Are these two related?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
I have high blood pressure and pulsatile tinnitus has started. Is my blood pressure related to the tinnitus?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
When I have tinnitus, is a quiet environment better, or is it better to keep some background sound on?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
My tinnitus makes it really hard to fall asleep. Is there a good way to sleep well?
#Lifestyle Management