Ringing in the ears: causes and which doctor to see

For ringing in the ears you can first see: Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) or Audiologist. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.

The most common causes: exposure to loud noise (concerts, headphones); ear wax blockage; age-related hearing loss; middle ear infection; stress and lack of sleep; some medicines and high blood pressure. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.

Ringing after loud noise usually goes away within hours to a few days. For constant ringing the cause is treated; even when no cause is found, there are methods that make the ringing less noticeable.

Usually not. However, ringing that starts together with sudden hearing loss in one ear must be assessed urgently; see an ENT specialist the same day.

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “With the ringing, is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden dizziness?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”

See a doctor: sudden hearing loss in one ear — see ENT or the emergency department the same day; the ringing has lasted 1–2 weeks; it is in one ear only, or beats in time with your pulse; your hearing has got worse.