1. Constant ear ringing (tinnitus)
A persistent ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking noise in the ear – known as tinnitus – is one of the most common ear complaints.
Sometimes, tinnitus is harmless and linked to things like:
– Excess earwax
– Recent exposure to loud noise (concerts, headphones, machinery)
– Jaw tension or TMJ problems
– Sudden changes in air pressure (flying, diving)
But in some cases, it can be connected to deeper health issues, including:
– Meniere’s disease
– High blood pressure
– Circulation or cardiovascular disorders
– Hormonal changes such as menopause
If the ringing is getting louder, lasts a long time, or comes with dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, or a feeling of fullness in the ear, it’s important to speak with a doctor. Persistent tinnitus can sometimes point to problems with blood flow or nerve function that shouldn’t be ignored.
2. Persistent itchy ears
Everyone gets a random ear itch now and then. But if you find yourself constantly poking, scratching, or twisting your finger or cotton swabs in your ear, your body may be signaling a problem.
Chronic itchiness in the ears can be caused by:
– Fungal infections
– Ear eczema or dermatitis
– Irritated or inflamed skin inside the ear canal
These can lead to dryness, flaking, redness, or even a thick, cheese-like discharge with an unpleasant smell.
Scratching the itch might feel good in the moment but can make things worse, damaging the skin and opening the door for infection. If itchiness is ongoing or painful, it’s safer to stop touching the area and get it checked by a medical professional – most ear infections are easy to treat when caught early.
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