Posted Thursday October 30, 2025
A ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears after a loud night out or a noisy day at work is more than an annoyance, it’s a warning sign. This sensation, known as tinnitus, is often linked to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus isn’t a disease, but a symptom. It happens when the tiny hair cells in the inner ear are damaged by loud noise. When these cells stop sending normal sound signals to the brain, your brain fills in the gaps by creating phantom noises — ringing, humming, hissing, or even roaring.
Why noise causes tinnitus
Loud sounds can:
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Damage hair cells in the cochlea, reducing your hearing ability.
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Cause temporary ringing after concerts, which can become permanent with repeated exposure.
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Lead to brain “rewiring,” making the phantom sound a long-term presence.
Managing tinnitus
While there’s no cure, there are effective ways to make tinnitus less intrusive:
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Protect your ears: Prevent further damage with earplugs, earmuffs, and safe listening habits.
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Sound therapy: Background sounds like soft music, nature sounds, or white noise machines help mask the ringing.
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Hearing aids: For many, amplifying external sounds reduces the brain’s focus on tinnitus.
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Relaxation techniques: Stress can make tinnitus worse. Practices like mindfulness, yoga, or breathing exercises can help.
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Healthy habits: Reduce caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, which may exacerbate tinnitus.
When to seek help
If your tinnitus:
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Lasts more than a few days
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Affects your sleep or concentration
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Is accompanied by muffled hearing or difficulty understanding speech
…it’s time to see an audiologist.
Taking the next step
You don’t have to live with constant ringing. Audiologists can assess your hearing, offer solutions, and guide you toward relief strategies that fit your lifestyle.
If ringing in your ears is becoming part of your daily life, book a hearing assessment today.