Ringing in the ears, medically known as tinnitus, can arise from various causes including ear infections, fluid buildup in the ears, Meniere's syndrome (which combines tinnitus with other symptoms), certain medications like aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and exposure to loud noises from sources such as airplanes, firearms, or music. In some rare cases, tinnitus might result from an aneurysm or an acoustic neuroma, which is a benign tumor on the auditory nerve. Woodwind musicians are more prone to tinnitus than their orchestral counterparts, likely because they often sit right in front of the brass section. If tinnitus continues or its cause is unclear, a hearing test (audiogram) is recommended. There are ways to reduce the severity of tinnitus or to mask its presence.
