Just about everyone experiences ringing in the ears at some point, though some people deal with it to a much more severe degree. People generally know the most common causes of tinnitus in Long Island, NY include long-term exposure to loud noises and hearing loss, but there are some other reasons for the onset of tinnitus that may surprise you.

Here are just a few examples of some of these potentially unexpected reasons why you’re experiencing tinnitus symptoms:

  • Ear Wax Buildup: A significant buildup of ear wax in the middle ear might do more than impair your hearing—it can also cause tinnitus. If you believe you have a large wax buildup, you can pay a visit to our center to have them remove the wax. The most common method of ear wax removal is flushing it out with water. You might be amazed at just how much impacted wax can get stuck inside your ear canal, and how much of a difference it can make to your hearing and quality of life to have it removed.
  • Dental Problems: Tinnitus doesn’t just have to be caused by ear issues—it can also be caused by problems with the teeth or jaw. For example, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can cause clicking or popping in the joint in your jaw, which can in turn create some tinnitus-like symptoms. If you have been experiencing tinnitus alongside some jaw pain or have recently had dental work done and are now experiencing tinnitus, it may be worth paying a visit to your dentist to discuss some of the steps you can take to stop the ringing.
  • Medications: There are some medications that can produce ringing in the ears as a side effect. Certain antibiotics and antidepressants are known to have tinnitus as a side effect, and high doses of aspirin may also cause a ringing in the ears. If you’re going through chemotherapy treatments, this also could affect the ears. Discuss the drugs you’re taking with your primary care physician and determine if there’s a possibility that any of them are the culprit for your tinnitus.
  • Disease: There are some types of underlying medical conditions and diseases that include tinnitus as a symptom. Meniere’s disease, for example, can result in tinnitus due to a large fluid pressure buildup inside the inner ear. Diabetes and hypertension are also known to have strong correlations with tinnitus onset. It can be helpful to get a checkup from your primary care physician to determine what’s wrong.
  • Head Injuries: Did you recently bump your head? Were you in a car accident, or do you play a contact sport? Head and neck injuries and concussions could be a trigger for tinnitus onset. Make sure you always wear the proper protective equipment for any high-risk work or sports so you can prevent injury.

For more information about some of the potential causes of tinnitus in Long Island, NY, we encourage you to contact McGuire’s Hearing Centers to speak with a professional audiologist today.