Causes of Tinnitus in One Ear Only: What You Need to Know

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external noise is present. While many people experience tinnitus in both ears, some only hear it in one ear. This can range from a mild annoyance to a more persistent issue that affects concentration, sleep, and overall quality of life.

The sound varies from person to person and may include:

• Ringing
• Buzzing
• Hissing
• Whooshing
• Pulsing

If tinnitus occurs in just one ear, it’s important to determine the underlying cause, as it could indicate a medical condition that requires attention.

Common Causes of Tinnitus in One Ear Only

Several conditions can lead to tinnitus in one ear only, ranging from minor ear issues to more serious medical concerns. Here are some of the most common causes:

1. Earwax Buildup

Excessive earwax can block the ear canal, leading to temporary tinnitus in one ear. When earwax hardens or becomes impacted, it can trap sound waves and cause ringing or buzzing.

Other Symptoms:

• Muffled hearing
• A feeling of fullness in the ear
• Occasional dizziness

What to Do:

Avoid using cotton swabs, as they can push the wax deeper. A healthcare provider can safely remove impacted earwax.

2. Ear Infections

Middle or inner ear infections can cause inflammation and fluid buildup, leading to temporary tinnitus in one ear. Infections are often triggered by colds, allergies, or sinus issues.

Other Symptoms:

• Ear pain
• Temporary hearing loss
• Fluid drainage from the ear

What to Do:

Most ear infections resolve on their own, but antibiotics may be necessary if a bacterial infection is present.

3. Exposure to Loud Noise

Prolonged exposure to loud noise, such as concerts, power tools, or fireworks, can damage the tiny hair cells in the inner ear, leading to tinnitus. If only one ear was exposed to excessive noise, tinnitus may be limited to that ear.

Other Symptoms:

• Temporary or permanent hearing loss
• Sensitivity to loud sounds

What to Do:

If tinnitus occurs after noise exposure, it’s important to give your ears time to recover. If the ringing persists for more than a few days, see a specialist.

4. Ménière’s Disease

Ménière’s disease is an inner ear disorder that affects balance and hearing. It is often associated with episodes of vertigo and tinnitus in one ear.

Other Symptoms:

• Sudden dizziness (vertigo)
• A sensation of fullness in the ear
• Fluctuating hearing loss

What to Do:

Treatment may include dietary changes (reducing salt and caffeine), medications, or vestibular therapy to manage symptoms.

5. Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)

An acoustic neuroma is a rare, non-cancerous tumor that grows on the auditory nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain. While usually slow-growing, it can put pressure on the nerve and lead to tinnitus in one ear.

Other Symptoms:

• Gradual hearing loss in one ear
• Balance issues
• A sensation of fullness in the ear

What to Do:

An ENT specialist may order an MRI to rule out an acoustic neuroma. Treatment options include monitoring, radiation therapy, or surgery in severe cases.

6. Pulsatile Tinnitus (Blood Vessel Issues)

Pulsatile tinnitus is a rhythmic, pulsing sound in one ear that often matches your heartbeat. It is usually caused by blood vessel abnormalities near the ear, such as high blood pressure, aneurysms, or arterial narrowing.

Other Symptoms:

• A “whooshing” sound in sync with your heartbeat
• Headaches or dizziness (in some cases)

What to Do:

If you experience pulsatile tinnitus, seek medical attention, as it may indicate an underlying vascular condition. Imaging tests like an ultrasound or MRI may be needed.

7. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located near the ears, and dysfunction in this joint can lead to tinnitus in one ear. TMJ issues are often linked to jaw clenching, teeth grinding, or misalignment.

Other Symptoms:

• Jaw pain or clicking sounds when chewing
• Headaches
• Ear fullness

What to Do:

A dentist or specialist can recommend treatments such as physical therapy, a mouthguard, or lifestyle modifications.

When to See a Doctor

Tinnitus in one ear is not always a cause for concern, but in some cases, it may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires attention. You should seek medical care if you experience:

• Sudden or unexplained tinnitus in one ear
• Hearing loss in the affected ear
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Pulsatile tinnitus (a rhythmic whooshing sound)
• Tinnitus that persists or worsens over time

An ENT specialist can perform hearing tests, imaging scans, and other evaluations to determine the cause of your tinnitus and recommend the best treatment.

Treatment Options for Tinnitus in One Ear

Treatment for tinnitus in one ear only depends on the underlying cause. Some of the most common treatment approaches include:

• Earwax removal for impacted wax
• Antibiotics or decongestants for ear infections
• Hearing aids for age-related or noise-induced hearing loss
• Sound therapy (white noise machines or hearing aids with masking features)
• Medication adjustments if a prescription drug is contributing to tinnitus
• Lifestyle changes (reducing stress, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and using relaxation techniques)

For more severe cases, options like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or neuromodulation devices may be recommended to help manage tinnitus perception.

Get Expert Care for Tinnitus at Florida E.N.T. & Allergy

If you’re experiencing tinnitus in one ear only, it’s important to determine the cause and explore treatment options that can provide relief. At Florida E.N.T. & Allergy, our specialists offer comprehensive evaluations and personalized care to help you manage tinnitus and improve your hearing health.

Click here to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward understanding and treating your tinnitus.