Does labyrinthitis cause ringing in the ears?

Ringing in the ears, also called tinnitus, may sound like buzzing, hissing, humming, or a tone without an outside source. Labyrinthitis can affect the inner ear alongside dizziness, imbalance, nausea, or changes in hearing. Ringing may be in one or both ears and can vary in intensity. Tinnitus has many possible causes, including noise exposure, medicines, and other ear conditions, so ringing alone does not establish labyrinthitis.

Arrange a medical review if ringing is new, persistent, one-sided, or accompanied by dizziness or hearing change. Protect your ears from loud sound, but avoid placing objects into the ear canal. Gentle background sound may make the ringing less noticeable in quiet rooms. Tell the clinician about recent infections, noise exposure, and medicines or supplements, as these details can guide an ear examination and hearing test.

Seek urgent assessment for ringing with sudden hearing loss, severe spinning, new weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, severe headache, or difficulty walking. Prompt care is also appropriate if the sound follows a head injury or is strongly pulsating in time with your heartbeat. Do not delay evaluation of sudden changes in hearing.

Ask whether your ears and hearing need testing, whether a recent infection or medicine could contribute, how to protect hearing, and which changes require same-day care.