By Barry Keate
Barry Keate, has lived with tinnitus over 40 years and has published 150+ research articles on numerous aspects of tinnitus. He is an expert on the condition and a well-known advocate for those with tinnitus.

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Tinnitus symptoms can be an unwanted nuisance in anyone’s life, interfering with sleep, work, and social relationships. With a variety of causes and no known cure, those with tinnitus can struggle to know whether their experience is typical and what they can do about it. For example, many experience tinnitus symptoms in both ears. What if you only hear the ringing, hissing, or whooshing in one ear? Is that a sign of a more serious problem?
Not necessarily. If you have tinnitus symptoms that only occur on one side, you are not alone. So, let’s dive into the potential causes of tinnitus in one ear and what it means.
Is Tinnitus in One Ear Normal?
It is not uncommon for the ringing, rushing, or buzzing sounds of tinnitus to only be present in one ear. Doctors refer to this type of tinnitus as unilateral tinnitus. While the symptoms present very similarly to bilateral tinnitus, which occurs in both ears, there may be different causes for unilateral tinnitus. If you are experiencing these symptoms in one ear, it is crucial to go to the doctor and have them check it out.
What Causes Unilateral Tinnitus?
There are quite a few potential causes of tinnitus in one ear. It is important to remember that some causes may be more impactful than others, so finding the root cause of the issue is very important. Here are some of the possible causes of unilateral tinnitus:
Earwax Impaction
Also, a potential cause of bilateral tinnitus, a buildup of earwax can be the source of tinnitus symptoms in one ear. Earwax helps protect the ear canal from dirt and bacteria and provides a barrier to the inner ear. However, when your body produces too much, it can become impacted, causing pressure in your ear. It can also put pressure on the delicate structures in your inner ear, causing tinnitus symptoms.
Thankfully, earwax removal is a simple procedure performed by ears, nose, and throat doctors, so treating the root of the issue is not too difficult. While it may relieve temporary tinnitus, if too much damage has been done to the inner ear, it may only alleviate symptoms, not remove them.
Exposure to Loud Noises
Whether you are exposed to one exceptionally loud noise, like an explosion or a loud moment at a concert or sporting event, or have been chronically around loud noises, damage can occur to your inner ear. One of the most common causes of tinnitus is exposure to extreme or ongoing noise, which can damage the delicate mechanisms of your inner ear, causing hearing loss and tinnitus symptoms. When you experience symptoms in just one ear, it may be because extreme exposure to a loud noise only occurred on one side or that one side was damaged more than the other.
Ear Infection
Sometimes, ear infections only affect one ear. A particularly aggressive infection that goes untreated can cause significant damage to the inner ear, a primary cause of tinnitus symptoms. It is important that you address ear infection symptoms as soon as they start to prevent the possibility of developing unilateral tinnitus.
Head Trauma
A significant hit to the head playing sports or a car accident can rattle the inner ear and cause permanent damage. If your unilateral tinnitus began after a hit to the side of the head, that incident may be the cause of your symptoms.
Cholesteatoma
A cholesteatoma is a skin growth in the middle ear. It starts out as a buildup of dead skin cells and, over time, develops into a cyst. As a cholesteatoma develops, it can begin to put pressure on the inner ear, causing tinnitus symptoms, balance issues, and hearing loss. These growths do not go away on their own, so they must be surgically removed.
Other Medical Conditions
While we listed just a few of these potential causes of unilateral tinnitus above, it is essential to note that it may be a symptom of more serious hearing and brain function issues, such as Meniere’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or vascular abnormalities. It is crucial to speak with a medical professional about the symptoms you are experiencing so they can more fully investigate the cause of your symptoms.
Moving Forward
For many individuals with unilateral tinnitus, there is sadly no cure. However, there are treatment options available that may help to alleviate symptoms and provide relief.
Specific vitamins, minerals, and herbs have been known to ease tinnitus symptoms. Ginkgo biloba (the main ingredient in Arches Tinnitus Formula) has proven effective1 at reducing tinnitus symptoms for many. Studies2 have shown a link between tinnitus and zinc, showing a possible connection between increased intake of the mineral and an improvement in ringing symptoms. Research3 has shown that Vitamin B12 for tinnitus may improve symptoms.
If you are looking for a tinnitus relief supplement that may help improve your symptoms, look for supplements that include high-quality, proven ingredients. It may take time to experience significant relief from your symptoms, but it may be what you need to find some relief from the persistent sounds of tinnitus.
Infographic
Tinnitus in one ear can have various causes, some of which may be more significant than others. Identifying the root cause is essential. This infographic outlines possible causes of unilateral tinnitus.
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