What is Tinnitus and Why Do You Hear Ringing Without Sound?
Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
29 May, 2025
Tinnitus is a condition when you experience sounds in both or either one of your ears, without an external source being present. These sounds are not heard by others and are restricted to the individual. The sounds may appear as buzzing, humming, ringing, or clicking sounds. These sounds fill your entire being such that they seem to be resounding and thus, can be quite a disturbing experience.
Causes of ringing in ears without sound
There are several reasons as to why these peculiar sounds are heard by an individual. Some of the major causes are listed below:
- Loss of hearing: The cochlea (inner ear) has tiny, delicate hair cells which vibrate when they pick up sound waves. This movement triggers electrical impulses along the auditory nerve from the ear to the brain. In case these tiny hair cells are bent or broken due to exposure to loud, continuous noise or old age, they tend to “leak” random electrical impulses to the brain which results in tinnitus.
- Ear infection or blockage to ear canal: Sometimes, the ear canals get blocked due to earwax, buildup of fluid (ear infection), dirt, or other foreign particles. This increases the pressure in your ears, causing tinnitus.
- Head or neck injury: Trauma to the head or neck region can affect the inner ear, and nerves or brain functions related to hearing. This can result in tinnitus, usually affecting one ear.
- Medications: A number of medications such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) when taken in high doses, can aggravate tinnitus. Quite often, this unwanted noise disappears when you stop using the drug.
Why do I hear ringing in my ears at night
Night times are relatively quiet, with no surrounding noises too. Tinnitus becomes more pronounced during night times because of the way the brain processes these sounds. As opposed to daytime when the internal noises of tinnitus are masked by external hustle and bustle, night times are more peaceful. A lack of background noise makes these tinnitus sounds more noticeable during the day.
Can stress cause tinnitus symptoms
Stress is often identified as a trigger for tinnitus flare-ups. Chronic stress can increase the chances of tinnitus development or even worsen the existing condition. Tinnitus can be bothering and as such cause stress to the individual. Hence, it becomes like a vicious cycle where stress makes tinnitus worse and tinnitus increases stress levels.
Natural remedies for tinnitus ringing
Gingko biloba is a herb that can improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, easing tinnitus symptoms. In some cases, deficiencies in zinc and magnesium have been associated with tinnitus development. Eating food rich in these minerals can help curb the onset of tinnitus. Similarly, lower levels of vitamin D can cause tinnitus. By exposure to natural sunlight or taking vitamin D supplements, the chances of developing tinnitus can be considerably reduced.
By adopting a few lifestyle changes such as getting adequate exposure to sunlight, avoiding NSAIDs, and consuming a diet rich in foods that contain zinc and magnesium, tinnitus can be controlled to a great extent. In order to manage this condition, it is important to know what triggers the onset of tinnitus and what factors worsen it.
