Why Do People's Ears Ring?

What it is

A high-pitched tone in a person's ear is the sound of cells in the inner ear vibrating. This condition is called tinnitus, and it sometimes affects people to the point that they hear the ringing or tones all the time. This usually only happens to those who put their ears through a constant bombardment of loud noise or music. Those that work with concerts or in loud manufacturing facilities might be at risk.

Constant bombardment

One way to avoid developing the problem is to wear protective gear such as ear plugs. In most cases an industry will actually require ear protection. Others listen to loud music intentionally, not realizing the damage it is creating. Commuters in vehicles or those that listen to mp3 players have loud music constantly streaming into the ear canal with no protection. Over time this constant vibration damages cells within the ear.

Inside the ear

There is a cell within the inner ear that has small hairs on it and is sensitive to sound. When sound enters the inner ear, the hairs bend and vibrate to the noise, causing an electrical current to be sent to the brain from the cells. The brain transfers the electrical signal into sound patterns. The damage usually causes the cells to think there is sound when there is none, and they continually send signals to the brain. This ringing is heard until the cells that are damaged can calm down.

References

• Why do your ears ring?
• Ringing in your ears, why your iPod could drive you mad