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Visit for ringing in the ears
tinnitus · ringing in the ears · buzzing in the ear · ear noise
An ENT doctor finds out where the noise in your ears comes from and checks your hearing. Then they choose treatment or ways to make the noise bother you less.
For ringing, noise, or buzzing in one or both ears.
⏱ Duration: the visit usually takes 30 to 60 minutes; a hearing test takes about 20 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Notes. Write down when the noise is worse and what helps.
- Loud sounds. The day before the hearing test, avoid loud music and noise.
- Medicines. Bring a list of all your medicines. Some affect hearing.
What to bring
- Your ID
- A list of your medicines
- Past hearing test results
How it goes
- The doctor asks about the noise
- Your ears are checked
- Your hearing is tested in a soundproof booth
- Sometimes the eardrum is tested
- If needed, an MRI or blood tests are ordered
- The doctor explains the plan and how to live with the noise
What you'll feel
- The exam and tests do not hurt
- In the booth, you need to focus on quiet sounds
Afterwards
- Avoid loud sounds and use earplugs in noisy places
- Background sound at night may help you fall asleep
- Come back as your doctor plans
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Noise that came on suddenly with hearing loss: see a doctor within a day
- Noise with severe dizziness and vomiting
- A pulsing noise in one ear
- Weakness in an arm or the face, or trouble speaking: call emergency services
Common questions
Will the ringing go away?
Sometimes it goes away, sometimes it stays. There are ways to make it less noticeable.
Can stress cause ringing in the ears?
Stress and lack of sleep often make it worse. But the cause should be found by a doctor.