Tinnitus in One Ear: What to Know

Do you frequently hear a ringing sound in one ear, even when there’s no external source of sound? Tinnitus, while typically benign, can be frustrating or concerning, even more so when it manifests in one ear, a condition known as unilateral tinnitus. It’s essential to understand its causes, implications, misunderstandings and myths about it, and management strategies.
At Treble Health, we’ve supported countless individuals like you in their journey to reduce tinnitus in one ear, improving their quality of life and restoring peace. But before we dive into solutions, let’s understand this condition better.

The Origins of Tinnitus

Typically, tinnitus arises from changes in your auditory mechanism, specifically the organ of Corti, the sensory organ of hearing, nestled deep within the cochlea or inner ear. This delicate organ hosts thousands of tiny hair cells that transmit hearing impulses to the brain. Any damage or changes to these hair cells can trigger tinnitus.
Most people experience tinnitus as a vague, omnipresent sound or a bilateral tinnitus – a sound perceived in both ears. However, tinnitus sometimes appears in just one ear, known as unilateral tinnitus. While most tinnitus-related conditions are not harmful, some may raise concerns, especially when leading to unilateral tinnitus. If you notice significant tinnitus in one ear, it’s essential to consult your doctor to determine the underlying cause and seek appropriate management.

Unilateral Tinnitus

Compared to bilateral tinnitus, unilateral tinnitus is noteworthy, and medical conditions should be ruled out as the first step. Audiologists and ENTs recommend patients seek a medical evaluation rather than waiting for the condition to subside.
Your healthcare provider will ask a series of questions to discern the root cause of your tinnitus, such as the nature of your tinnitus, its duration, its consistency, its synchronization with your heartbeat, and the presence of other symptoms like ear pain, dizziness, or vertigo. Answering these questions honestly and accurately is vital for an accurate diagnosis.

Possible Causes of Unilateral Tinnitus

A wide range of ear-related issues can cause unilateral tinnitus. These include ear canal blockages due to excessive earwax, foreign objects in the ear canal, ear and sinus congestion, middle ear infections, single-sided hearing loss, Meniere’s disease, labyrinthitis, or rarely more serious conditions like a benign tumor on the hearing nerve called an acoustic neuroma.
Apart from these, non-ear-related conditions such as Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, certain medications, blood vessel disorders, high blood pressure, carotid artery issues, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune disorders, brain tumors, and head and neck injuries can also result in unilateral tinnitus. Since there are so many possible causes of tinnitus, particularly unilateral tinnitus, it’s important to be evaluated by an ENT or audiologist that specializes in tinnitus.

Managing Unilateral Tinnitus

If you’re grappling with unilateral tinnitus, it’s vital to consult a healthcare professional like an ENT specialist or audiologist as the first step. They will perform comprehensive tests to assess your hearing ability and possibly recommend further evaluations, such as an MRI, to identify if there is a more serious underlying problem.
The appropriate management for unilateral tinnitus depends on its root cause. For simple issues like ear wax impaction, removal can alleviate the symptoms, while active infections or sudden hearing loss will require more advanced treatment. After medical conditions have been ruled out, the best treatment method for unilateral tinnitus is the same as bilateral tinnitus: Tinnitus Retraining Therapy with an audiologist that specializes in tinnitus, like those at Treble Health.
Treble Health understands the intricacies and implications of unilateral tinnitus, and how unpleasant it can be. Our team of seasoned audiologists stands ready to help guide you towards a life with reduced tinnitus symptoms and improved peace of mind.