Ringing in the Ears Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

The sensations of tinnitus may have the following characteristics:

• Ringing, roaring, buzzing, whistling, or hissing sounds
• Intermittent, continuous, or pulsatile quality
• Same or varying intensity
• Single or multiple tones
• Ringing that comes and goes
• More annoying symptoms at night or when there are fewer distractions
• Sensation of normal internal events such as blood pulsing or muscles contracting
• Sometimes tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss and vertigo

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Special attention will be paid to your head, neck, and ears.

You will be asked questions about:

• Your sensations
• Medication use
• Whether breathing, dizziness, or anything else increases or decreases the sensation

The doctor will look at your ear canal and eardrum using an instrument with a light that is held at the external opening of the ear. A tuning fork can help evaluate hearing. You should receive a complete hearing test. Other tests, such as an MRI scan , may be ordered to rule out serious conditions.