You have good days, and you have bad days, that’s normal for individuals who suffer from tinnitus but why? Over 45 million Americans suffer from ringing in their ears due to a condition called tinnitus, according to the American Tinnitus Association, and that’s accompanied by hearing loss by around 90 percent of them.

But what is hard to comprehend is why it’s almost non-existent on some days and on others the ringing is so invasive. Some typical triggers might explain it but it’s still unclear why this happens.

What Is Tinnitus?

The following phantom noises are heard by people who suffer from tinnitus:

• Ringing
• Hissing
• Buzzing
• Clicking
• Roaring

You hear it, the guy beside you can’t, which is part of what makes tinnitus so disturbing. The noise can vary in pitch and volume, too. It may be gone one day and the next it’s a roar.

Exactly What is The Cause of Tinnitus?

The most common cause is a change in a person’s hearing. These changes could be due to:

• Ear bone changes
• Aging
• Noise trauma
• Earwax build up

There are other likely causes, as well, like:

• A problem with the carotid artery or jugular vein
• Acoustic neuroma
• Meniere’s disease
• Tumor in the head or neck
• Atherosclerosis
• Head trauma
• TMJ issues
• High blood pressure

For a certain fraction of people, there is no apparent reason for them to have tinnitus.

Consult your doctor to have your ears examined if you suddenly notice the symptoms of tinnitus. The problem might be a symptom of a life threatening condition like heart disease or it could be something treatable. A side effect of a new medication may also be the cause.

For some reason the ringing gets worse on some days.

For those who suffer from tinnitus it’s a medical mystery why it gets worse on some days. The reason might be different for each person, too. There are common triggers that could explain it, though.

Loud Events

Your tinnitus can be aggravated by loud events such as concerts, club music, and fireworks. If you expect to be subjected to loud noise, your best choice is to wear hearing protection. They make earplugs, for example, that will permit you to enjoy music at a live performance but reduce the effect it has on your hearing.

You can also keep away from the source of the sound. For instance, don’t stand next to the speakers when attending a concert or up front at a fireworks show. With this and ear protection, the impact to your hearing will be decreased.

Loud Noises at Home

Loud noises around your home can also be a problem. For instance, mowing the lawn is enough to induce tinnitus. Consider other things you do at home that could be a problem:

• Woodworking – Power tools are loud enough to be an issue.
• Laundry – If you fold clothing while the washer is running, for example.
• Wearing headphones – The function of headphones is to raise the volume of your audio which could be irritating your tinnitus so it may be time to lose those earbuds.

If you can’t avoid loud noises at least put in hearing protection.

Workplace Noise

Loud noises on the job have the same impact as a concert or the lawnmower. If you work around machinery or in construction it’s particularly crucial to use hearing protection. Your employer will most likely provide hearing protection if you make them aware of your worries. Let your ears rest during your off time.

Changes in Air Pressure

Many people have experienced ear popping when they fly. The shift in air pressure combined with the noise from the plane engines can result in an increase in tinnitus. Think about ear protection if you are traveling and bring some gum to equalize the air pressure.

Changes in air pressure occur everywhere not only on a plane. Taking the proper medication to alleviate sinus pressure is also helpful.

Medication

Speaking of medication, that may also be the problem. Some drugs impact the ears and are known as ototoxic. Some prevalent medications on the list include:

• Diuretics
• Antibiotics
• Over-the-counter pain relievers

If you’re experiencing a worsening of your tinnitus after you begin taking a new medication, consult your doctor. Switching to something else might be feasible.

For some people tinnitus is not just aggravating it’s debilitating. The first step is to figure out what’s causing it and then consider ways to control it from day to day.