Ringing in Ears: Causes, Medications, and What You Can Do

When you hear a persistent ring, buzz, or hiss in your ears with no external source, you’re experiencing tinnitus, a symptom, not a disease, often linked to hearing loss, noise exposure, or medication use. Also known as ringing in ears, it affects over 15% of adults and can range from a mild nuisance to a life-disrupting condition. Many people assume it’s just part of aging, but it’s often tied to something treatable—or preventable.

Tinnitus doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s closely linked to medication side effects, where certain drugs damage the inner ear or affect nerve signals in the brain. Common culprits include high doses of aspirin, some antibiotics like gentamicin, loop diuretics, and even certain antidepressants. If you started a new medication and the ringing began soon after, it’s not coincidence—it’s a signal. Your body is reacting, and stopping or switching the drug might help. Not all cases are drug-related, though. Noise exposure, earwax buildup, Meniere’s disease, and even jaw problems can trigger it. The key is identifying the root cause before treating the symptom.

What’s surprising is how often tinnitus is overlooked by doctors. If your hearing feels off or your ears are ringing, and your provider just says "it’s normal," push back. There are hearing health, a field focused on protecting and restoring auditory function through testing, lifestyle changes, and targeted interventions strategies that work. Audiograms, tinnitus matching tests, and even dietary adjustments can make a difference. Some people find relief with sound therapy or cognitive behavioral techniques. Others need to adjust medications they’ve been on for years without realizing the connection.

The posts below dig into real-world connections between everyday drugs and this frustrating symptom. You’ll find articles on how common prescriptions can silently damage your hearing, why some people react worse than others, and what steps to take if you suspect your meds are the culprit. There’s no magic fix, but knowing what to ask your doctor—and which drugs to watch out for—can save you months of unnecessary stress. This isn’t about fear. It’s about awareness. And the right information can turn a mystery into a manageable condition.