What causes ringing ears?
Recently, the issue of "ringing ears" has become a hot topic on the Internet. Many people have reported that inexplicable ringing sounds occur in their ears, which even affects their daily life. This article will combine the hot discussions and medical information on the Internet in the past 10 days to analyze the possible causes and countermeasures of this phenomenon.
1. Analysis of common causes

| Possible reasons | Symptoms | Proportion (online discussion) |
|---|---|---|
| Eustachian tube dysfunction | Popping sound in the ears when swallowing, accompanied by a feeling of fullness and fullness | 35% |
| earwax embolism | Unilateral ear ringing, accompanied by hearing loss | 25% |
| Temporomandibular joint disorder | Popping sound in the preauricular area when chewing, which may be accompanied by pain | 20% |
| muscle spasms | Irregular clicking sounds, associated with nervousness | 12% |
| other reasons | Including otitis media, otosclerosis, etc. | 8% |
2. Recent hot cases
1.Workplace stress leads to surge in cases: Several health-related self-media reported that the number of consultations on tinnitus and ringing ears caused by work stress has increased by 40% recently, especially among people aged 25-35.
2.New findings on the sequelae of COVID-19: Studies have shown that about 15% of recovered patients report abnormal ear sensations, but more data are needed to support it.
3.Improper use of headphones causes concern: Actual measurements by digital bloggers show that long-term use of noise-canceling headphones may change the pressure perception in the ears, becoming a potential cause.
3. Professional doctor’s advice
1.Preliminary self-test method: Record the frequency of the sound, whether it is accompanied by pain, and its relationship with specific actions (such as swallowing/chewing).
2.Indications for medical treatment: You should seek medical attention promptly when the following situations occur:
3.Everyday precautions:
| Precautions | effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Avoid over-cleaning the ear canal | ★★★★ |
| Control caffeine intake | ★★★ |
| Regular work and rest to reduce stress | ★★★★★ |
| Use headphones correctly (60 decibels/60 minutes rule) | ★★★★ |
4. Popular opinions on the Internet
1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective: Several health-preserving accounts mentioned the theory that "the kidneys open up the ears" and suggested massaging the acupoints around the ears to relieve symptoms.
2.New solutions in science and technology: Some popular science bloggers pointed out that the electromagnetic radiation generated by modern people’s high-frequency use of smart devices may affect ear microcirculation.
3.psychological factors: Psychological counselors remind that anxiety may amplify physical sensations, causing "auditory hallucination" tinnitus.
5. Latest research data
| research institute | sample size | Main findings |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing Institute of Otology (2024) | 1200 cases | 72% of physiological tinnitus can heal on its own within one month |
| Shanghai Ruijin Hospital | 863 cases | Vitamin B12 deficiency significantly associated with abnormal ear sensations |
Summary:Ringing in the ears is mostly a benign phenomenon, but if it persists, it should be taken seriously. It is recommended that you refer to the above information based on your own situation and seek professional medical help when necessary. Maintaining good living habits and using your ears scientifically are the keys to preventing such problems.
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