You should be concerned about ringing in your ears and see a healthcare provider if:
- The ringing is accompanied by other symptoms such as hearing loss, dizziness, or vertigo.
- The ringing is sudden, very loud or persistent, and affects your daily activities.
- The ringing is accompanied by pain or discharge from the ear.
- You have a history of exposure to loud noises or have been taking medications known to cause tinnitus.
- The ringing is accompanied by other symptoms such as facial weakness, difficulty speaking, or vision changes.
- You have a history of head injury or ear infection.
- If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor for an evaluation to determine the cause of your tinnitus and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
It’s also important to keep in mind that tinnitus can be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as an ear infection, high blood pressure, or diabetes, so it’s important to have a general check-up to rule out any other causes.