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What causes ringing in the ears?

Where Ringing in the Ears is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline
Illustration: Where Ringing in the Ears is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline

Short answer

Ringing, buzzing, hissing or humming without an outside sound is often called tinnitus. It can follow loud noise or age-related hearing change. Earwax buildup may block the ear canal and alter hearing. Inner-ear problems such as labyrinthitis or Meniere's disease can cause ringing alongside dizziness or hearing fluctuation. Jaw tension, head or ear injury and some medicines may also contribute.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Possible contributors
Noise, hearing change, wax and inner-ear conditions
Avoid
Putting objects into the ear canal

Clues that help identify the cause

Ringing in one ear, a pulsing sound that matches the heartbeat, or tinnitus with reduced hearing deserves clinical assessment. Labyrinthitis commonly involves vertigo or imbalance, while Meniere's disease may bring episodes of vertigo, ear pressure and changing hearing. Earwax is more likely when there is blockage or muffled hearing, but cotton buds can push wax deeper and injure the canal.

What you can do

Protect your ears from loud sound while keeping everyday background sound comfortable; complete silence can make tinnitus feel more prominent. Do not insert cotton buds, keys or drops unless a clinician has advised them. Note whether the sound is one-sided, rhythmic, linked with dizziness, or started after a medicine or noise exposure. A clinician can examine the ear and arrange hearing assessment when needed.

When to seek care

Seek urgent care for sudden hearing loss, severe vertigo, new weakness, facial drooping, a head injury or a pulsing sound with neurological symptoms. Arrange prompt review for one-sided tinnitus, persistent dizziness, ear discharge or pain. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether ear wax removal is suitable; do not attempt to dig wax out yourself.

Questions for your doctor

Could wax, hearing change, noise exposure or a medicine explain the sound? Do I need an ear examination or hearing test? Which symptoms should prompt urgent review?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Can earwax cause ringing?

Yes. A blockage can change sound conduction and produce ringing or muffled hearing; an examination can confirm the cause.

When is ringing an emergency?

Sudden hearing loss, severe vertigo, neurological symptoms or a new pulsing sound require urgent assessment.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.