Doctors call ear ringing or hearing strange noises in the ear head tinnitus. The causes of ear ringing are as simple as poor hygiene to a chronic medical condition. About 20 percent of the population experiences ringing to some degree.

Causes

Dozens of causes can result in ear ringing, but the most common ones are earwax buildup, aging, head and neck injury, stress and very loud noises, such as a chainsaw or music from headphones. A condition called Meniere's, which disturbs inner ear fluid, may also have the side effect of ear ringing.

Misconceptions

Medical doctors do not consider tinnitus a medical condition by itself, but it usually associates with other medical problems, such as hearing loss.

Considerations

Not all cases of tinnitus have a cure, but doctors may be able to offer treatment for ear ringing related to a medical condition or a fixable problem such as earwax buildup, according to the National Institute of Health.

Prevention/Solution

People irritated by a ringing in their ear should avoid loud sounds, smoking and intoxicants. Listening to soft music may take the sufferer's mind off of the symptoms of tinnitus.

Treatment

Removing earwax can alleviate ear ringing and some medication may exacerbate tinnitus, so switching to a similar prescription may help. Doctors sometimes offer antidepressants, but only for extreme cases of tinnitus. White noise machines (they make soothing sounds like ocean currents) may mask tinnitus to allow a person to sleep, and hearing aids can help if tinnitus interferes with communication.

Source:

MedicineNet.com: Ringing in Ears

Mayo Clinic; Tinnitus

National Institute of Health: Facts About Tinnitus