Ringing in the ear may be due to impacted cerumen or more commonly known as earwax, which is readily treated; however, proper evaluation is best done by an otologist. The otologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of problems of the ear. This condition, more commonly known as tinnitus, is caused by a lot of factors and not just impacted wax. Some can be considered grave and damaging while others are simply due to negligence.

Here are other causes of tinnitus:

1. Improper way of cleaning the ears

Cleansing of the external auditory canal by the introduction of matches, hair pins and other implements is dangerous, since trauma to the skin may result in accidental infection of the skin or damage to the eardrum that will lead to tinnitus and hearing loss.

If you want to get rid of wax deposits, you may soften it using a few drops of warmed glycerine every day, followed by irrigation at body temperature, using a bulb syringe or a special ear syringe. The inner ear is usually stimulated with water temperatures either below or above body temperature, creating annoying vertigo. After irrigation, the canal is dried carefully with a sterile applicator and cotton. The removal of the impacted wax may require the skilled attention of the physician.

2. Excessive blowing of the nose

Vigorous blowing of the nose or douching of the nose may be dangerous during acute infection, such as the common cold. Hence, it is advisable not to blow too much as this will damage the nerves within the ears.

3. Not aware of possible contamination in the ears

Not all people are aware that they may acquire infection in areas that they may frequently spend time such as swimming pools, diving areas, or simply using water in public shower rooms. When left unattended, these activities may lead to tinnitus.

Middle ear infection by way of the Eustachian tube is not uncommon. Patients with a history of ear infection, and particularly those with perforations of the drum, should avoid contamination of the ear with water at bathing, swimming or diving. The patient is instructed to plug the ear with cotton saturated with petrolatum and to wear a rubber cap at the time of ocean bathing or swimming.

All of these may sound simple and may not be considered by some as directly affecting their hearing or triggering tinnitus. Yet, these things directly affect and bring about hearing problems such as ringing in the ears. So to avoid more serious problems, always keep yourselves informed on what to avoid and on the proper things to do as far as caring for the ears is concerned.