Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 12/10/2008

Question
QUESTION: hi,
i hear a slight ringing in one ear(left ear) from past two
days. i can hear it only when i am in a silent room or when
i put a finger inside my ear to block the external sounds.
I ll not hear to too much noise and i use my headphones
very rarely. Am also having a jaw stiffness(not numbness) in my right jaw but consulted a dentist he told it is
because of the growth of wisdom teeth. Is there any
relation between this jaw stiffness and ringing in my ear?
Is the ringing in my ear is a very serious problem? Please
answer me sir, am very upset and i couldn't concentrate in
my studies. please sir!!

ANSWER: Hi Vasanth,
Tinnitus, the term for the ringing in your ears, is usually the result of nerve damage in the ear.  Occasionally, it may be due to an infection in the ear or nerve damage in the auditory nerve or above.  You need to be checked by an ear specialist and have your hearing tested by an audiologist.  Together, they will be able to provide with possible causes and treatments.  Jaw pain can result in ear pain, maybe in tinnitus...but you say the jaw stiffness is on the right side and your tinnitus is on the left; therefore, I doubt the two are related.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your answer sir and i went to a general
physician and he checked my ear and told my ear drums are
o.k and he told it may be some inflammation but still i
have decided to go to an ENT. Sir, I just want to know if
am having Acoustic Neuroma?? Please tell me sir?

And i was very upset and now am bit relived with your
answer sir. Please reply to this question also sir. I hope
good from you.

Answer
Hi Vasanth,
Without the proper testing, I cannot tell whether or not you have an acoustic neuroma.  Yes, although it is true that tinnitus may be a symptom of AN, this usually is not the case. So, at this point I would not worry about an AN and concentrate on getting a complete auditory evaluation.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology