What’s that buzzing in my ears? Exploring causes and solutions

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why your ears are buzzing, you’re not alone. The experience of hearing a buzzing in your ears, even when there’s nothing around you making a sound, is more common than many realize. In fact, over 35% of Canadians nationwide experience some form of noise perception with no external source.

For some, the buzzing fades quickly. For others, it sticks around—persistent, distracting, and hard to ignore. It can be unsettling, but you're not powerless. Learning what might be causing it is the first step toward feeling more in control. The good news? There are ways to manage it, and support is available if you need it.

• Common causes of ear buzzing
• When to see a Hearing Care Provider (HCP)
• Solutions and next steps
• Move forward with confidence

Note: Our Hearing Care Providers (HCPs) are here to support your ear health and provide personalized guidance. However, if you're concerned about medical issues affecting your hearing, always consult with your healthcare provider as your first priority. 

Common causes of ear buzzing

Buzzing in the ears is not a condition on its own. In truth, it is most often a symptom of something else that is affecting your auditory system. As such, it can have a variety of causes. Some of the more common ones include:

• Exposure to loud noise: Attending a concert, working near construction equipment, or using power tools without proper hearing protection can temporarily irritate the delicate structure of your ears. In most cases, the buzzing fades after a few hours or days, but constant exposure without taking any precautions can lead to worsening hearing health.
• Tinnitus: Tinnitus is a symptom often linked to issues stemming from hearing loss, noise exposure, or other health-related issues. It’s characterized by the perception of buzzing, ringing, or whooshing noises without any external source. If the sound in your ears is chronic, then tinnitus is the most likely explanation.
• Earwax blockage: Excess earwax can trap sound or create pressure against the eardrum, which leads to muffled or buzzing hearing. Removing the blockage safely often resolves the issue.
• Hearing loss: As we age, or after repeated exposure to loud noise, our hearing naturally diminishes. Sometimes, our brains fill in the gaps with ringing or buzzing noises.
• Other health factors: Certain medications, circulatory issues, inner ear infections, or even jaw problems (temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMJ) can cause or worsen ear buzzing.That’s why it’s important to look at the bigger picture when symptoms arise.

When to see a Hearing Care Provider (HCP)

Not all ear buzzing is a cause for concern. In fact, many people experience occasional, short-term sounds that fade quickly. However, when the buzzing becomes more frequent, more noticeable, or begins to interfere with your daily life, it could be a sign of an underlying issue that deserves attention.

Here are some common signs that it’s time to talk to a Hearing Care Provider:

• The buzzing is consistent or worsening over time, rather than fading away
• It interferes with your sleep, focus, or overall well-being, making it harder to function normally
• You notice other symptoms alongside the buzzing, such as hearing loss, dizziness, or ear pain
• The buzzing is only present in one ear, which can sometimes point to more localized concerns
• It comes on suddenly, especially if accompanied by a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear

In any of these cases, seeing a Hearing Care Provider can help bring clarity and narrow down potential causes. Even if the cause turns out to be minor, a Hearing Care Provider can provide strategies to manage the sound, reduce discomfort, and help you feel more in control.

You don’t need to wait until the symptoms become unbearable; early evaluation can often prevent further complications and help you feel more at ease about what’s going on.

Solutions and next steps

The good news? You don’t have to simply live with the buzzing in your ears. Depending on the cause and severity, there are several practical ways to find relief and regain a sense of control.

One of the first steps is to schedule a hearing test. A quick assessment can help determine whether the buzzing is related to hearing loss, a blockage like earwax, or another underlying issue. If hearing loss is a factor, modern hearing aids often come equipped with sound therapy features—these can mask the buzzing with gentle background sounds or help your brain adjust to hearing more clearly overall.

Sound therapy is another option, especially for those who aren't using hearing aids. This approach uses calming background noise or music to shift your brain’s focus away from the buzzing. Some people also find success with retraining techniques, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which focus on managing your emotional response to the sound, reducing stress, and improving overall quality of life.

Lifestyle changes can also make a difference. Reducing stress, limiting caffeine and alcohol, avoiding extended exposure to loud environments, and using white noise at night can all help minimize the impact of ear buzzing over time.

To better understand your hearing health and explore personalized options, you can also browse our resources on hearing loss.

Move forward with confidence

Hearing a buzzing in your ears can feel frustrating and confusing, but it’s not something you have to ignore or endure. Finding the right solutions for you can make a meaningful difference.

If you’re experiencing buzzing in your ears, remember that you’re not alone. Connect Hearing is here to help you navigate your hearing health with personalized support and care. Book a hearing test or consultation to get clarity and peace of mind.