Hearing a ringing sound while feeling dizzy can be unsettling. You might notice buzzing, humming, or whooshing in your ears. At the same time, you may feel lightheaded, unsteady, or as if the room is spinning.

These symptoms can happen together for several reasons. Some involve the inner ear, which helps control hearing and balance. Others may be related to infections, medications, or underlying health conditions.

Understanding what causes ringing in the ears and dizziness can help you know when to seek medical attention and what treatments may help.

What Causes Ringing in the Ears and Dizziness?

Ringing in the ears is medically known as tinnitus. It describes hearing sounds without an external source. These sounds may include ringing, buzzing, hissing, humming, or roaring.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), tinnitus can occur with hearing loss and other ear-related conditions.

Dizziness can mean different things. Some people feel lightheaded or faint, while others experience vertigo. Vertigo creates a sensation that they or their surroundings are moving or spinning.

When these symptoms occur together, possible causes include:

1. Ménière’s Disease

Ménière’s disease is an inner ear disorder that affects hearing and balance. It can cause episodes of vertigo, ringing in one ear, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness or pressure.

Symptoms may appear suddenly and last for several minutes or hours. Some people also experience nausea, vomiting, and difficulty maintaining their balance.

The NIDCD’s guide to Ménière’s disease explains that the condition usually affects one ear, although both ears can be involved.

There is no definitive cure, but treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency or severity of attacks.

2. Inner Ear Infections and Inflammation

The inner ear plays an important role in maintaining balance. Infections or inflammation affecting this area can cause dizziness, nausea, and difficulty walking steadily.

Two conditions that may cause these symptoms include:

• Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear labyrinth, which can affect both hearing and balance. Symptoms may include vertigo, hearing changes, and tinnitus.
• Vestibular neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which carries balance information from the inner ear to the brain. It commonly causes sudden, prolonged vertigo but does not usually cause hearing loss or tinnitus.

These conditions may develop after a viral infection. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms.

3. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV is a common inner ear condition that causes brief episodes of vertigo. It happens when tiny calcium crystals move into the wrong part of the inner ear.

You may feel the room spinning when you:

• Turn your head quickly.
• Roll over in bed.
• Look up or down.
• Get out of bed or change positions.

BPPV does not typically cause tinnitus or hearing loss. However, someone experiencing BPPV may also have an unrelated ear condition that causes ringing.

A healthcare professional can perform positional tests to check for BPPV. Specific head movements, such as the Epley maneuver, can help move the crystals back into their proper position.

4. Hearing Loss or Exposure to Loud Noise

Tinnitus can develop after prolonged exposure to loud sounds or sudden exposure to extremely loud noise. It may also occur alongside age-related or other forms of hearing loss.

Some people experience dizziness at the same time, particularly when an underlying ear condition affects balance.

The World Health Organization’s information on tinnitus explains that tinnitus may improve when temporary causes are addressed. However, persistent symptoms may require further evaluation and management.

5. Earwax Buildup or Ear Infection

Excessive earwax can block the ear canal and cause muffled hearing, discomfort, and ringing. An ear infection may also cause ear pain, pressure, drainage, or changes in hearing.

Dizziness can occur with certain ear infections, especially when the inner ear is affected.

A healthcare professional can examine your ears to check for wax buildup, infection, or other problems. Avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into your ear canal.

6. Vestibular Migraine

Vestibular migraine is a condition that affects the body’s balance system. It can cause dizziness or vertigo, sometimes with or without a headache.

Other possible symptoms include:

• Sensitivity to light or sound.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Motion sensitivity.
• Difficulty maintaining balance.
• Ringing in the ears in some cases.

A history of migraines may help a healthcare professional identify this condition. Treatment may include migraine medications, lifestyle adjustments, and strategies to manage triggers.

7. Medication Side Effects

Certain medications can affect hearing or balance. Some may cause tinnitus, dizziness, or both.

Examples include certain antibiotics, high doses of aspirin, and some chemotherapy medicines. The risk depends on the specific medication, dose, and individual circumstances.

If your symptoms started after taking a new medication or changing your dosage, speak with your healthcare professional. Do not stop prescribed medication without medical advice.

Other Symptoms That May Occur

Ringing in the ears and dizziness may happen with other symptoms, depending on the underlying cause.

You may also experience:

• A spinning sensation or feeling off-balance.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Muffled hearing or hearing loss.
• Ear pressure or fullness.
• Headaches.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Sensitivity to light or sound.
• Difficulty walking steadily.

Pay attention to when your symptoms started, how long they last, and whether they affect one or both ears. These details can help your healthcare professional determine the next steps.

How Are Ringing in the Ears and Dizziness Treated?

Treatment depends on what causes your symptoms. There is no single medication or procedure that works for every case.

Your healthcare professional may recommend one or more of the following:

Medications

Depending on the diagnosis, medications may help manage dizziness, nausea, infections, or migraine symptoms.

For example, a healthcare professional may prescribe medication to relieve severe vertigo or nausea. Antibiotics may be necessary for certain bacterial infections.

However, antibiotics do not treat viral infections. Medication should always match the underlying condition.

Earwax Removal

If excessive earwax causes tinnitus or muffled hearing, professional removal may improve symptoms.

Avoid using cotton swabs, hairpins, or other objects to remove wax. These can push wax deeper or injure the ear canal.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Vestibular rehabilitation is a type of physical therapy designed to improve balance and reduce dizziness.

A trained therapist may recommend specific exercises based on your symptoms and diagnosis. These exercises help the brain adapt to changes in the balance system.

Repositioning Maneuvers

People with BPPV may benefit from repositioning maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver.

These movements help guide displaced calcium crystals back into the correct part of the inner ear. A healthcare professional can determine whether this treatment is appropriate.

Tinnitus Management

Persistent tinnitus may not have a simple cure, but several approaches can make it less disruptive.

The NIDCD’s tinnitus treatment guidance discusses options such as hearing aids, sound therapy, counseling, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

If hearing loss contributes to tinnitus, hearing aids may help improve communication and make the ringing less noticeable.

What Can You Do at Home?

Some simple steps may help you manage mild symptoms while arranging an appropriate medical evaluation.

Consider the following:

• Sit or lie down: If you feel dizzy, find a safe place to rest until the sensation passes.
• Move slowly: Avoid sudden head movements or getting up too quickly.
• Stay hydrated: Drink enough fluids throughout the day, unless your healthcare professional has advised otherwise.
• Protect your hearing: Avoid loud environments and use appropriate hearing protection when necessary.
• Get enough rest: Maintain a regular sleep schedule and give your body time to recover.
• Avoid driving: Do not drive, operate machinery, or climb ladders while experiencing dizziness or vertigo.

Do not put ear drops, oils, or other substances into your ears unless a healthcare professional recommends them.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Ringing in the ears and dizziness should not be ignored, especially when they occur together or keep returning.

Schedule a medical evaluation if you experience:

• Recurring dizziness or vertigo.
• Persistent or worsening ringing in your ears.
• New hearing changes or muffled hearing.
• Ear pain, pressure, or drainage.
• Difficulty maintaining your balance.
• Symptoms that interfere with sleep or daily activities.

Seek same-day medical evaluation if you experience sudden hearing loss, even if your ear only feels blocked or muffled. Sudden hearing loss can require prompt treatment, and waiting may affect your chances of recovery.

When Is It a Medical Emergency?

Some symptoms may indicate a serious condition, including a possible stroke or other neurological emergency.

Go to the nearest emergency department or call your local emergency number if dizziness occurs with:

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
• Facial drooping.
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
• Sudden vision changes or double vision.
• A severe, sudden headache.
• Fainting, seizures, or confusion.
• Severe dizziness that makes it impossible to walk safely.
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing.

Do not drive yourself if you experience these symptoms.

What to Expect During a Medical Evaluation

Your healthcare professional will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and medications. They may also examine your ears and assess your hearing and balance.

Depending on your symptoms, the evaluation may include:

• Ear examination: Checks for earwax, infection, fluid, or other visible problems.
• Hearing test: Measures your ability to hear different sounds and pitches.
• Balance assessment: Evaluates your coordination and how your body responds to changes in position.
• Additional testing: Blood tests or imaging may be recommended when your symptoms suggest an underlying condition that needs further investigation.

You may also need a referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or audiologist.

Get Evaluated for Ringing in the Ears and Dizziness at UrgiClinic

Ringing in your ears and dizziness can have several possible causes. Some are temporary, while others need ongoing medical attention.

A medical evaluation can help identify possible causes, assess your symptoms, and determine whether you need additional testing or specialist care.

At UrgiClinic, our team provides evaluation and treatment for a range of non-emergency health concerns. Explore our services and conditions we treat to learn more.

Don’t ignore recurring or unexplained symptoms. Walk in to UrgiClinic for an evaluation and guidance on your next steps. If you experience sudden hearing loss or emergency warning signs, seek immediate medical care instead.