Is it normal to hear a ringing sound when blocking the ears with hands?
Feb 11, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
A buzzing sound in the ear when blocking it with the hand, accompanied by muffled external noise, is a physiological phenomenon that usually resolves on its own. It may be caused by earwax impaction or internal heat (a traditional concept referring to bodily imbalance), leading to inflammation of the Eustachian tube. Alternatively, it could result from bacterial or viral infections causing external otitis, which leads to hearing loss or ear canal blockage. In such cases, the inner ear becomes stimulated due to inflammation, representing an abnormal condition.
Blocking the ears with hands and experiencing a ringing sound may be normal or abnormal.
1. Normal
After covering the ears with hands, external noise is blocked, and the ear may perceive sounds such as one's own breathing, heartbeat, and blood circulation, resulting in tinnitus. This is a normal physiological phenomenon. Symptoms usually disappear spontaneously once the hands are removed.
2. Abnormal
This could result from conditions such as cerumen impaction, excessive internal heat ("fire" in traditional Chinese medicine), or inflammation of the Eustachian tube. It might also be caused by bacterial or viral infections leading to external otitis, which can cause hearing loss or ear canal blockage. In such cases, inner ear irritation due to inflammation represents a pathological factor and is considered abnormal, requiring timely intervention for correction.
