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Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)

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Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

Tinnitus that occurs following a head injury: Go to the topic Head Injury, Age 4 and Older.
Tinnitus that occurs with ear pain, drainage, or a fever: Go to the topic Ear Problems, Age 12 and Older.


	Yes

Do you have any symptoms of nerve damage?


	Yes

Do you have new tinnitus with other symptoms?


	Yes

Have you had an injury to your ear?


	Yes

Do you think your tinnitus may be caused by a medicine?


	Yes

Have you had tinnitus for longer than 2 weeks?


	Yes

Do you have new numbness or weakness on one side of the face or the body?


	Yes

Did tinnitus came on suddenly and is in only one ear, but you do not have other symptoms?


	Yes

Do you have tinnitus along with chronic, ongoing changes in the nervous system?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Do you have vertigo?


	Yes

Do you feel like you have lost your balance?


	Yes

Do you have hearing loss?


	Yes

Do you have nausea or vomiting?


	Yes

Have you been in a car crash that set off the air bag within the last 2 weeks?


	Yes

Have you had new tinnitus without other symptoms for longer than 2 weeks?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Do you have drainage or bleeding from the ear?


	Yes

Are you having trouble hearing or understanding sounds?


	Yes

Do you have vertigo?


	Yes

Do you have a severe earache?


	Yes

Have you had tinnitus that is slowly getting worse for longer than 24 hours after an injury to the ear, but you do not have other symptoms?


	Yes

Have you had tinnitus for longer than 2 weeks that has not gotten better?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Did tinnitus begin after you started taking a new medicine?


	Yes

Did tinnitus begin after you increased a dose of a medicine you were already taking?Note: If you answered Yes to either of the above questions:Call the doctor who prescribed the medicine to determine whether you should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary.If you are taking a nonprescription medicine, stop taking it. Call your doctor if you feel you need to continue taking the medicine.

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Have you had tinnitus for longer than 2 weeks?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Other Symptoms to Watch For

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 12, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.