What Causes Ringing in Your Ears That Won''t Go Away?

Persistent ear ringing, called tinnitus, stems from damage to the hair cells in your inner ear that detect sound. Age-related hearing loss affects over 25% of adults over 65, making it the leading cause of chronic tinnitus. Other common triggers include prolonged exposure to loud noises above 85 decibels, earwax blockages, certain medications like aspirin or antibiotics, and underlying conditions such as Meniere's disease or high blood pressure. Head injuries, TMJ disorders, and even stress can also generate persistent ringing. The condition affects approximately 50 million Americans, with severity ranging from mild background noise to debilitating interference with daily activities.