They Said I Have Tinnitus But My Ears Aren’t Ringing

Tinnitus is often described as a ringing in your ears. But tinnitus is the perception of sound, when there is no external sound present. For many, it manifests as a ringing sound. But for others, it sounds more like a pulsing sound, a whooshing sound or even like crickets or cicadas. If you have any of these and they persist for more than a few days, you may have tinnitus. 

Is Ringing in My Ears Serious?

While occasional tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is often harmless and typically resolves within a few hours, it’s important to understand that persistent or sudden tinnitus can sometimes indicate underlying issues. Although changes in blood pressure or other health conditions can contribute to this sensation, tinnitus is also frequently a symptom of hearing loss. In fact, the brain sometimes generates these phantom sounds in an attempt to compensate for the missing auditory information caused by hearing impairment. Therefore, if you experience persistent or sudden tinnitus, it’s wise to consult with a hearing healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and explore appropriate solutions.

Vitamins Won’t Cure Tinnitus

Some research indicates a connection between vitamin deficiencies, such as a B12 or zinc deficiency. That said, there has been no research substantiating the claims that vitamins will cure tinnitus. In fact, there is no known cure for tinnitus. Most ways to manage tinnitus help you either mask the tinnitus or make it less noticeable.

How Can I Manage My Tinnitus to Get Rid of the Ringing in My Ears?

Most ways to manage tinnitus help you drown out or mask the noise. The following ways to manage tinnitus have been shown to be effective:

  • Hearing aids
  • Maskers
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Tinnitus retraining therapy
Woman with ringing in her ears