Could the ringing in your ears be trying to tell you that you're at risk of going blind, deaf or have cancer?

The Sun

3 days ago

DO you hear ringing, buzzing or hissing in your ears for no apparent reason?
Once considered an 'old person's condition', tinnitus is on the rise in all age groups.
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By the end of 2025, more than eight million people are expected to be affected, according to Tinnitus UK.
It accounts for over a million GP appointments annually, costing the NHS £750million – predicted to rise to £850m by December.
It's sometimes more than a minor nuisance - the occasional ringing sound or sensitivity to loud noises.
But one in six adults living with tinnitus are severely affected - with hearing loss, difficulty concentrating, insomnia and depression.
Thankfully, it's not something you just have to put up with; there are treatments that can help.
And while there's usually nothing serious going on medically, in some cases there may be an underlying cause that needs investigating.
So, to work out which solutions are right for you, it's worth asking: could your tinnitus be trying to tell you something?
1. Your tinnitus started after working in a noisy environment
ALONG with ageing, noise exposure is a leading cause of hearing loss, and sometimes tinnitus is the first thing people notice.
'When around loud noise, to protect itself, the ear has the ability to stiffen the bones in the middle ear, which reduces the ear's sensitivity,' Gordon Harrison, chief audiologist at Specsavers, tells Sun Health.
I thought the ringing in my ears was tinnitus but the truth was far more sinister - everyone must get checked
'For a short period, with this reduced sensitivity, people often report noticing tinnitus for the first time.
'However, the ear will generally return to normal sensitivity and the tinnitus is likely to reduce.'
Over extended periods of time though, hair cells in the inner ear can become permanently damaged.
'In the absence of an external noise source due to a reduced ability to hear, many people report that they can hear other noises, such as ringing or buzzing,' says Harrison.
Avoiding too much exposure and protecting your ears in loud environments reduces the risk.
Mr Harrison adds: 'As soon as you notice any ringing or noise in the ears, or other changes to your hearing, you should contact an audiologist at your local opticians to get your hearing checked for free, or contact your local GP.'
2. Your tinnitus is in time with your heartbeat
It could be saying: you've got pulsatile tinnitus and should see a doctor
'PULSATILE tinnitus is a rarer form, where people hear sounds (such as whooshing, rushing or thumping) in time with their heartbeat,' says Mr Harrison.
'You can experience it in one or both ears.
'Compared to 'normal' tinnitus, it's more likely that an exact cause can be identified.
'Most cases are caused by a change to the blood flow of the vessels near the ear, in the neck or head.
'This can happen for several reasons, including: strenuous exercise, pregnancy, certain medications or severe iron deficiency (anaemia), which can cause an increase in blood flow around the body; an irregular-shaped blood vessel; or a condition called atherosclerosis, which occurs when the artery clogs up with fatty substances and stops blood flowing smoothly.
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'Other causes include benign or idiopathic intracranial hypertension, which is when the pressure inside your head is raised and can lead to headaches, sight problems and pulsatile tinnitus.'
Pulsatile tinnitus can also occur due to cancerous and benign tumours in the head or neck.
Scans can be used to confirm a diagnosis or rule out anything serious. If you are concerned, speak to your GP.
3. Your tinnitus is accompanied by fatigue
It could be saying: your sleep needs some TLC
ONE in eight Brits say they feel 'tired all the time', according to a YouGov survey.
Many of these people might have tinnitus, as sleep problems are common in those with the condition.
'At night, when quiet, the brain is actively searching for things to listen to,' says Dr James Jackson, a chartered psychologist and member of Tinnitus UK's scientific advisory board.
'So, it's only natural for it to focus on incoming tinnitus, and by concentrating on this, the tinnitus appears louder.
'It's a frustrating cycle but one that can get better.'
What else your ears can reveal about your health
By Isabel Shaw, Health Reporter
IT turns out ears do a lot more than help us hear.
From what creased lobes mean for your ticker, to how wax could be a warning sign of deadly cancer - ears are able to reveal a lot about the state of your health.
1. HEART DISEASE
If you're under 60 and have a diagonal crease across the earlobe, you could be at greater risk of coronary heart disease (CAD).
The unusual warning, dubbed Frank's sign, has been seen on the likes of Steven Spielberg and George W Bush.
2. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Suffering from infuriating tinnitus could indicate blood pressure issues.
The common hearing problem is not usually a sign of anything serious and may get better by itself, but it could mean you have high blood pressure.
3. FUNGAL INFECTION
Itchy ears might indicate the presence of a fungal infection.
When Aspergillus causes a fungal ear infection, you may see yellow or black dots and fuzzy white patches in your ear canal.
If Candida is the culprit, you might see a thick and creamy white discharge coming from your ear. Other symptoms include earache, flaky skin around the ear canal, headaches, tinnitus and hearing loss.
4. BREAST CANCER
Some earwax is normal and beneficial; the yellow stuff prevents bugs and dirt from entering the ear canals.
But earwax with a wet and sticky texture is not normal. And some studies suggest wet wax might be sign of a mutation on the ABCC11 gene, which can increase your chances of developing breast cancer.
5. RED EARS SYNDROME
Spending too long in the sun and even getting embarrassed can turn the ears red - but so can suffering from red ear syndrome (RES), which causes the lobes to burn and ache.
It can also spread from your lobes to your cheeks, jaw, or back of your head.
6. KIDNEY DISEASE
Ears that have a few skin tags - small, fleshy growths - may indicate the presence of kidney disease.
A study published in the British Medical Journal suggests this is especially the case for newborn babies.
'Managing tinnitus accompanied by fatigue can be challenging,' adds Sonja Jones, a clinical audiologist and also a member of Tinnitus UK's scientific advisory board.
As well as seeking professional support if you're struggling, she recommends trying self-help methods.
'A consistent sleep schedule regulates the body's internal clock and promotes better rest,' she adds.
'Create a relaxing bedtime routine and ensure your sleeping environment is quiet, dark, and comfortable.
'Something that's really important is minimising screen time before bed.
'Exposure to the blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with the body's production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, making it harder to fall asleep and achieve a restful night's sleep.
'Switch off electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime.'
'Sound therapy' – via white noise machines and various apps - can also be great for helping you drift off.
'Background noise, such as white noise, nature sounds, or soft music, can help distract you from your tinnitus and create a soothing environment,' Ms Jones says.
'And during the day, engage in physical activities like walking, swimming or yoga, to boost energy levels, improve mood, and manage tinnitus symptoms - though always consult a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise regimen.
'A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides essential nutrients for maintaining energy levels and supporting overall health.
'Limit caffeine, alcohol and sugar intake.
'Although self-help strategies may not eliminate tinnitus or fatigue entirely, they can make symptoms more manageable and improve overall quality of life.'
4. Your tinnitus is impacting your work and personal life
It could be saying: you need some mental health support
'TINNITUS goes hand in hand with anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, and emotional exhaustion,' says Dr Jackson, who has tinnitus and profound hearing loss himself.
'For a small percentage of individuals with tinnitus, quality of life plummets.
'As a psychologist, it's all about your appraisal of your tinnitus; the more worried you are, the worse it is.
'Anything realistic to reduce anxiety and stress will be beneficial.'
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Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can sometimes help, and Jones suggests adopting the same self-help techniques that can address sleep and fatigue.
'Stay connected with friends and family for emotional support and to combat feelings of isolation,' she adds.
'While it's natural to be worried, it's important to know that there are things you can do.
'Do seek professional support - consult a doctor, audiologist, or therapist for additional guidance and tailored treatment options.
'Reach out to Tinnitus UK for more information via its website or helpline.'
5. Your tinnitus spikes when you're stressed
It could be saying: it's time to listen to your body
WHILE stress doesn't cause tinnitus, it can 'trigger' symptoms and make them seem worse – similar to what's going on when your sleep and mental wellbeing are impacted.
Dr Jackson knows how tricky this can be, but he now sees it as a reminder to keep his stress levels in check.
'You can learn to manage this,' he says.
'There was a time when my own tinnitus would 'spike' and I would be convinced that that day – or week – was now ruined.
"But now, I see this as my body telling me that I need to take a break. So, it's a kindness, not a burden.
'Some people can change their thinking more easily than others. But support is there, though the Tinnitus UK helpline, support groups, and online.
'It does become easier, and it won't always be like this.'
tinnitus.org.uk or call the free Tinnitus UK helpline on 0800 018 0527 (Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm).
'I want to rip my ears off sometimes, says Jamie Laing
By Callum Wells, Showbiz Reporter
MADE in Chelsea star Jamie Laing was diagnosed with tinnitus almost a decade ago.
He admits that there are times when he wants to "rip his ears off".
Jamie said: "I haven't heard silence for eight years.
"The very first time I ever heard tinnitus, I woke up one morning and I got out of bed, and I could hear this ringing noise - this whooshing, ringing noise and I was thinking, looking around, thinking, 'Where the hell is this noise coming from?'
"Then it suddenly dawned on me that it was inside my own mind, inside my head.
"That, for anyone who has ever experienced tinnitus, is a really scary moment.
"You cannot imagine how debilitating it is. You think you're never going to sleep again; you think you're never going to hear anything again apart from this ringing.
"I've had this awful, constant ringing in my ears for about eight years now and over time I've managed to find ways to ignore, deal or come to terms with it.
"But occasionally it lifts its evil head; it's like an alarm bell ringing in my head (shout out to fellow sufferers).
"The past couple of days it's been that alarm. It's almost hard to focus on anything else - a nightmare, yes!
"It is, however, good to listen to it and use it as an alarm - perhaps you're tired, stressed, anxious maybe.
"But listening to it helps. Instead of seeing it as your enemy, try to see it as your friend trying to tell you something, so that's what I'm trying to do.
"The reason I'm writing this is because when it's this loud (and it's LOUD) it helps so much more talking about it.
"I hope this message connects with someone else dealing with it badly today, this week, this month or the whole time."