What is that ringing sound in the head?

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  • Thread starter Skhandelwal
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In summary: They're actually pretty bad for your ears.In summary, people have different opinions on whether or not concentrating on the ringing sound can be effective in silencing it. Some people believe that it is a disease, others think that it is just a symptom of something else going wrong in the brain. There is no scientific evidence that supports the effectiveness of the practice.
  • #1
Skhandelwal
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Hey guys, what is that ringing sound we hear in our head? I read in a taoist book that if we concentrate on it, it can finally be silenced and we will hear true silence where every sound will be clear but it won't bother through its clarity in the sense of annoyance but it will be beautiful. I tried it for 6 months.(focused on it all the time, through my activities) And It seems like I always had a rush on me due to why I heard the ringing sound. Its kinda like it is fog, because of why we can't hear silence b/c we are always in our own world.

Is there any scientific data on this? Does anybody have their own opinion?
 
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  • #2
  • #3
Geee, I didn't know it was a disease, I though everybody had it. Surprised to say the least.
 
  • #4
Read the link a little more closely - it isn't a disease.

Anyway, interesting link - I didn't know that our 'microphones' could double as 'speakers' just like the electronic variety!
 
  • #5
Low pitched ringing noises are caused by a lack of B vitamins. Others are sometimes just feedback from the brain, just like feedback from a stereo. The brain uses a carrier wave to come incoming signals with. In some people it can be so loud that others can hear it in a quiet room. In other words, there is not one single simple answer to your question.
 
  • #6
tune it out, ignore it, works for me
 
  • #7
Tinnitus is often a symptom of something going bad in your brain/end organs. If you experience this, you should talk with a doctor, preferably an otolaryngologist.
 
  • #8
William Shatner "Captain Kirk" of Star Trek fame suffers this in a big way. Aspirin in quantities will induce tinnitus. Lasix also. The worst I had did not occur till 24 hours after shooting bottoms for ventilation overcasts without my hands over my ears at the coal mine. It was my turn to set off the 20 shots. Sounded like a constant big ocean surf for another day. Richard "Ringo" Langly, one of the trio called "The Lone Gunman" from the X Files broke into the state computer and got a handicapped parking sticker claiming to have tinnitus.

I have heard, while getting to sleep, the sound of a kettle drum in a rhythm that from the tempo I'm pretty sure was somehow the tympanic membrane bouncing to an arterial pulse.
 
  • #9
While tinnitus may be the diagnosis once it becomes troublesome, it my understanding that it is quite normal to hear a faint ringing if one is in a quiet room and concentrates on it. It is my understadnnig that this is the normal sound of blood in your vessels near your inner ears.
 
  • #10
Nothing to be concerned about until you talk to your doctor.

It can simply be just ear wax since most people wash their ears with Q-tips and push the ear wax back and not out. That can cause some strange things to happen, like ringing ears, but also it can damage your ears. It's not likely that someone damages their ears using Q-tips since everyone uses it and no ones ever really known that it can cause problems.

Now that you know, don't use Q-tips.
 

What is that Ringing Sound in the Head?

The sensation of hearing a ringing sound in the head is a common auditory phenomenon that many people experience. This sensation is often referred to as "tinnitus." Let's explore some common questions about tinnitus:

Q1: What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head when no external sound source is present. It is commonly described as a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whistling sound. Tinnitus can be temporary or chronic and may affect one or both ears.

Q2: What Causes Tinnitus?

Tinnitus can have various underlying causes, including:

  • Hearing Loss: Age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, or other hearing conditions can lead to tinnitus.
  • Earwax Blockage: Accumulated earwax can cause tinnitus symptoms by affecting sound conduction.
  • Medical Conditions: Tinnitus can be associated with medical conditions such as Meniere's disease, ear infections, or cardiovascular issues.
  • Medications: Some medications, especially those that affect the inner ear, can trigger tinnitus as a side effect.
  • Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress and anxiety can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms.

Q3: Is Tinnitus Always Permanent?

No, tinnitus is not always permanent. In some cases, tinnitus may be temporary and resolve on its own, especially if it is related to factors like loud noise exposure or earwax blockage. However, chronic tinnitus may persist and require management and treatment.

Q4: Can Tinnitus Be Treated?

Tinnitus treatment depends on its underlying cause. If tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, addressing that condition may alleviate the symptoms. Management strategies may include hearing aids, sound therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or medications in some cases.

Q5: Can Tinnitus Be Prevented?

While tinnitus may not always be preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing tinnitus, such as:

  • Hearing Protection: Use ear protection, like earplugs or earmuffs, when exposed to loud noise.
  • Limiting Loud Noise Exposure: Avoid prolonged exposure to loud music, machinery, or other sources of high noise levels.
  • Ear Care: Maintain good ear hygiene and avoid inserting objects into the ear canal, which can push earwax deeper.
  • Manage Stress: Reducing stress through relaxation techniques can help minimize tinnitus-related discomfort.

Q6: When Should I Seek Medical Advice for Tinnitus?

If you experience tinnitus that is persistent, bothersome, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical advice from an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) or an audiologist. They can assess the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment or management options.

In summary, tinnitus is the perception of a ringing sound in the head or ears without an external source. It can have various causes and may be temporary or chronic. Seeking medical advice for persistent or bothersome tinnitus is recommended to determine the underlying cause and explore treatment options.

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