High-Pitched Ringing in Your Ears: Causes and Solutions

High-frequency buzzing in the ear?

Recently, while exercising outdoors, I accidentally got chilled by the cold wind, which caused me to shiver for a while after returning to my dormitory.
Later, during the weekend at home, I sometimes hear a high-pitched buzzing sound in the kitchen, but as soon as I close the kitchen door, the buzzing stops (the kitchen appliances include a refrigerator and a freezer, among other items).
When I asked other family members, they said they couldn't hear the buzzing sound.
I'm unsure if it's a problem with my ears or the kitchen equipment.
My parents are older, and one of them has hearing loss, but they don't hear the high-pitched buzzing sound while working outdoors or staying in the dormitory.
This situation has made me feel quite down.

Note:
1.
The buzzing sound is only heard in the kitchen and only during the day; I can't hear it at all during normal sleeping hours.
2.
I tend to be anxious and nervous (especially when getting vaccinated).
3.
Wearing a mask often leads to frequent yawning and burping.
4.
I was diagnosed with autonomic nervous system issues years ago.
5.
A visit to the ENT clinic revealed only earwax stuck to the eardrum.
6.
Could wearing the mask too tightly cause poor circulation and hypoxia?
Should I get a hearing test, adjust my breathing to relax, or is it a problem with the kitchen equipment? I really hope someone can help me with this distressing situation.

Kevin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/02

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology

Hello, the issues you mentioned could be due to 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction: This is the most common cause and can occur not only during flying, climbing, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over.
2) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
3) Otitis media: a) Acute otitis media: often occurs alongside upper respiratory infections (like colds) or sinusitis, and in severe cases, there may be ear discharge.
b) Chronic otitis media with acute exacerbation: usually occurs when there is a pre-existing perforation in the eardrum, which can become inflamed due to unclean water or improper ear cleaning.
All of the above conditions can be appropriately treated with medication after consulting a healthcare provider.
If you have already undergone pure tone audiometry (which requires headphones in a soundproof room, where sounds prompt you to press a button, rather than just using a tuning fork), and it has been confirmed that you do not have sudden sensorineural hearing loss, then medication may suffice.
However, if you have not had a pure tone audiometry test, it is advisable to visit a hospital for evaluation to rule out sudden hearing loss.
The golden treatment window for sudden sensorineural hearing loss is two weeks, and early treatment yields better outcomes.
Wishing you safety and good health.

Reply Date: 2022/03/02

More Info

Experiencing high-pitched ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears, known as tinnitus, can be a distressing condition. Based on your description, it seems that you are hearing this sound specifically in the kitchen, which raises a few possibilities regarding its origin.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that tinnitus can have various causes, including exposure to loud noises, earwax buildup, ear infections, or even stress and anxiety. Given that you mentioned a history of autonomic nervous system issues and anxiety, it’s possible that these factors could be contributing to your experience of tinnitus. Stress and anxiety can heighten your awareness of sounds, making you more sensitive to noises that you might otherwise ignore.

The fact that the buzzing sound is only present in the kitchen and disappears when the door is closed suggests that it may be related to the appliances in that area. Refrigerators and freezers can produce low-frequency sounds that might be perceived differently by individuals, especially if there is an underlying sensitivity in your auditory system. It’s also worth noting that environmental factors, such as the acoustics of the room and the presence of other sounds (like the television in the living room), can influence how you perceive these noises.

Given your concerns, here are some steps you can take:
1. Hearing Evaluation: It would be prudent to undergo a comprehensive hearing evaluation with an audiologist. This can help determine if there are any underlying hearing issues that need to be addressed. Since you mentioned a family history of hearing loss, it’s essential to rule out any hereditary factors.

2. Manage Anxiety: Since you have a tendency towards anxiety, consider incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routine. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises can help reduce stress and may alleviate the perception of tinnitus.

3. Environmental Assessment: If you suspect that the kitchen appliances are contributing to the buzzing sound, you might want to observe if the sound persists when the appliances are turned off. If the sound is indeed linked to the appliances, you may consider having them checked or replaced if necessary.

4. Ear Health: You mentioned that you had earwax buildup previously. Regular ear hygiene is important, but avoid inserting objects into your ears. If you notice any changes in your hearing or if the buzzing persists, consult an ENT specialist for further evaluation.

5. Lifestyle Adjustments: Ensure that you are maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper hydration, nutrition, and sleep. Avoiding excessive caffeine and nicotine can also help reduce anxiety and improve overall ear health.

6. Masking Techniques: Some individuals find relief from tinnitus by using background noise or white noise machines. This can help mask the ringing and make it less noticeable, especially in quiet environments.

In conclusion, while it is understandable to feel concerned about the high-pitched ringing in your ears, there are various potential explanations and solutions. It is advisable to seek professional help for a thorough evaluation, which can provide clarity and guide you towards effective management strategies. Remember, you are not alone in this experience, and many people successfully manage tinnitus with the right approach.

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