Ringing in the ears: which doctor should I see?
Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing or hissing that you hear with no outside source. It can be in one ear or both, constant or on and off. Here you will learn what may be behind it, when it is urgent and which specialist to see.
Book a specialistWhen it is urgent
- Your hearing suddenly drops or disappears in one or both ears.
- The noise comes with vertigo — a feeling that you or everything around you is spinning.
- The noise appeared after a blow to the head.
- You have weakness or numbness of the face, slurred speech or impaired vision.
With these signs, seek emergency help — call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Call 112What it may mean
- Earwax or fluid behind the eardrum — noise, muffled hearing and a blocked feeling.
- Loud noise — long exposure at work, at concerts or from headphones.
- Hearing loss with age — the noise often comes with weaker hearing.
- Circulation or blood pressure problems — a pulsing sound in time with the heartbeat.
- Stress and tiredness — the noise often gets louder with tension and lack of sleep.
Which specialist
- ENT (Otorhinolaryngologist) in Sofia — 14 doctors and servicesENT (Otorhinolaryngologist) — all doctors
ENT (Otorhinolaryngologist) in Sofia
How to prepare for the visit
Note when the noise started, which ear it is in, what it sounds like and whether your hearing has changed. Bring earlier hearing test results, and a list of the medicines you take.
Frequently asked questions
Does ringing in the ears go away on its own?
Sometimes, especially after loud noise. If it lasts, have it checked. Book a visit without delay if the noise beats in time with your pulse.
Which test will I have?
The doctor usually examines the ears and may order a hearing test.
ENT doctor or otoneurologist?
The first specialist is usually an ENT doctor. An otoneurologist is seen with dizziness, or when the doctor judges that a more detailed test of hearing and balance is needed.
This information does not replace a visit to a doctor.