Hearing a ringing sound when you close your ears could be due to a number of factors, most commonly related to tinnitus or changes in your body's internal sounds becoming more noticeable. Here's a breakdown:
Understanding the Phenomenon
When you close your ears, you're essentially blocking out external sounds. This makes you more sensitive to the sounds generated within your body. The ringing sound you perceive isn't necessarily new; you're just more aware of it in the absence of competing external noise. This is like turning down the volume on a loud party – you start hearing background conversations you didn't notice before.
Potential Causes of Ringing (Tinnitus)
The ringing you hear when you block external noise may indicate tinnitus, a condition where you perceive sound when no external sound is present. According to research, the potential causes can vary:
-
Inner Ear Issues: The most common cause of tinnitus is damage to, or problems with, the hair cells in the cochlea, the part of your inner ear responsible for processing sound. The reference notes "broken or damaged hair cells in the part of the ear that receives sound (cochlea)" as a potential cause.
-
Blood Vessel Changes: Changes in blood flow can also cause tinnitus, as blood rushing through vessels near your ears can be amplified when external noises are reduced. The reference refers to this as "changes in how blood moves through nearby blood vessels (carotid artery)".
-
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Issues: Problems with your jaw joint can sometimes manifest as ringing in the ears. "problems with the joint of the jaw bone (temporomandibular joint)" is specifically mentioned in the provided information.
-
Brain Function: "problems with how the brain" processes sound may also contribute. The brain misinterprets the electrical signals, leading to a perception of sound.
What To Do
Here's what you can consider doing to address the ringing in your ears:
-
Consult a Doctor: If the ringing is persistent or bothersome, it's best to consult with an audiologist or doctor. They can perform tests to determine the underlying cause.
-
Manage Stress: Stress can worsen tinnitus. Relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises might help.
-
Protect Your Hearing: If you suspect that noise exposure is contributing to the issue, use earplugs in loud environments.
-
Be Aware of Medications: Certain medications can have tinnitus as a side effect. Discuss this possibility with your doctor.
Table Summarizing Potential Causes
| Possible Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Inner Ear Damage (Cochlea) | Damaged hair cells in the inner ear send incorrect signals to the brain. |
| Blood Vessel Changes | Altered blood flow near the ear makes internal sounds more audible. |
| Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Issues | Problems with the jaw joint can refer sensations to the ear. |
| Brain Function | Malfunctions in the brain's auditory processing can cause phantom sounds. |
