Tinnitus — that persistent ringing, buzzing, clicking, or hissing sound inside the ear — can range from mildly annoying to severely disruptive. While many people assume tinnitus comes only from loud noise exposure, the truth is far more complex.

Tinnitus isn’t a disease by itself; it’s a symptom, and understanding what triggers it is the key to managing or reducing it.

If you or someone you know experiences constant ear noise, here are seven of the most common causes doctors and audiologists identify — plus why they happen and what you can do about them.

1. Exposure to Loud Sounds

Long-term or sudden exposure to loud noise is the number one cause of tinnitus worldwide. Concerts, headphones at high volume, power tools, fireworks, and even loud traffic can damage the delicate hair cells inside the inner ear. Once these cells are damaged, they can’t send normal signals to the brain, leading to phantom sounds.

Common scenarios that trigger it:

Listening to music above 70–80% volume

Working in construction, factories, or loud environments

Frequent concerts or loud public events

Sudden explosive noise

What helps:

Lower your headphone volume, wear ear protection, and take noise breaks whenever possible.

2. Earwax Blockage

Earwax is healthy and protective, but too much of it can block the ear canal and cause tinnitus. The blockage creates pressure, reduces hearing, and irritates the eardrum — all of which can generate ringing or buzzing sounds.

Symptoms that point to earwax buildup:

Fullness in the ear

Muffled hearing

Dizziness

Sudden increase in tinnitus

What helps:

Never use cotton swabs. Instead, try ear–safe drops, or have a healthcare professional clean the ear properly.

3. Stress and Anxiety

Few people realize how powerfully stress affects the auditory system. High stress levels activate the body’s fight-or-flight response, increasing adrenaline and blood pressure. This heightened state makes the brain more sensitive to internal body sounds, which can intensify tinnitus.

Signs stress may be worsening your tinnitus:

Ringing increases during emotional tension

Symptoms worsen at night

You clench your jaw or grind your teeth when anxious

What helps:

Deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and regular exercise can significantly reduce stress-induced tinnitus.

4. Certain Medications (Ototoxic Drugs)

Some medications have side effects that affect the inner ear and auditory nerves. These are called ototoxic drugs. In some cases, tinnitus stops when the medication is discontinued; in others, the effect may be long-lasting.

Common medications linked to tinnitus:

High doses of aspirin

Some antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides)

Loop diuretics

Certain antidepressants

Chemotherapy drugs

What helps:

Never stop medication on your own. Discuss alternatives with your doctor if you suspect a drug is causing symptoms.

5. Age-Related Hearing Loss

As people get older, the inner-ear structures naturally weaken. This gradual loss of hearing often leads to tinnitus because the brain tries to “fill in the gaps” in sound by generating internal noise.

Typical signs:

Difficulty hearing conversations

Turning up the TV volume

Trouble hearing in crowds

Ringing or buzzing accompanying hearing decline

What helps:

Hearing aids often improve tinnitus by enhancing external sound, reducing the brain’s need to create internal noise.

6. Jaw Problems (TMJ Disorders)

The jaw joint (temporomandibular joint) sits extremely close to the inner ear. When the TMJ is misaligned or inflamed, it can affect the ear’s nerves and muscles, causing tinnitus.

Signs your jaw may be involved:

Clicking sounds when chewing

Jaw pain or stiffness

Teeth grinding (bruxism)

Headaches near the temples

What helps:

Jaw exercises, dental guards, and treating grinding habits often reduce TMJ-related tinnitus.

7. Circulation and Blood Flow Issues

Sometimes tinnitus is the result of changes in blood flow near the ears — known as pulsatile tinnitus. This type often produces a “whooshing” or heartbeat-like sound.

Possible causes:

High blood pressure

Anemia

Thyroid problems

Vascular abnormalities

What helps:

Treating the underlying condition often reduces or eliminates pulsatile tinnitus.

When to See a Doctor

While tinnitus is usually harmless, certain symptoms require medical attention:

Sudden or one-sided tinnitus

Tinnitus with hearing loss

Pulsatile (heartbeat-like) sounds

Dizziness or balance problems

Pain or discharge from the ear

Early evaluation helps identify treatable causes and prevent further damage.