Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

• Hair cells, or cilia, in the inner ear can be damaged by exposure to loud or excessive noises. Damage to these cells is permanent and can cause ringing in the ears.
  
  

Earwax Build-up

• Excessive wax in the ears can cause a ringing sensation. Wax build-up can also exacerbate a mild case of tinnitus into a more severe one.
  
  

Drug Interaction

• Also called ototoxicity, some medications may interfere with the function of the inner ear and cause ringing sensations.
  
  

Ear or Sinus Infections

• Ear or sinus infections are common causes of temporary ringing in the ears.
  
  

Jaw Misalignment

• Misalignment of the jaw, such as in temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), can induce bouts of tinnitus.
  
  

Head or Neck Trauma

• Blunt or explosive trauma to the head or neck may damage inner ear nerves and cause tinnitus.