Why does my left ear keep ringing when I lie down?

Generally speaking, persistent buzzing in the ear refers to tinnitus. Lying down and experiencing tinnitus in the left ear may be related to changes in posture, external environmental stimuli, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), external otitis, otitis media, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Postural Changes

When lying down, changes in head position may affect the fluid pressure within the inner ear, thereby stimulating the auditory nerve and causing tinnitus. It is recommended to adjust sleeping posture and use additional pillows to support the neck and head, thereby reducing fluctuations in inner ear pressure.

2. External Environmental Stimuli

Being in a noisy environment for prolonged periods or frequently using headphones in the left ear may damage the hair cells in the left cochlea. When lying down, these damaged cells may be affected, leading to tinnitus in the left ear. It is recommended to avoid prolonged exposure to noisy environments, reduce headphone usage time, and allow the ears adequate rest.

3. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV is usually associated with displaced otoconia (ear stones). When lying down and changing head position, the otoconia in the left ear may shift, stimulating the inner ear and causing tinnitus. Patients often experience brief episodes of vertigo. Medications such as Diazepam tablets, Betahistine mesylate tablets, and Dimenhydrinate sublingual tablets may be used as directed by a physician.

4. External Otitis

External otitis is commonly associated with improper ear canal cleaning, excessive moisture in the ear canal, or incorrect ear picking. External otitis can cause swelling and pain in the ear canal; when lying down, changes in the shape of the ear canal may increase pressure on the eardrum, resulting in a buzzing sound. Symptoms may also include ear canal itching, increased secretions, and hearing loss.

Treatment may include medications such as Ofloxacin ear drops, Clotrimazole cream, and Amoxicillin-Clavulanate potassium tablets, as directed by a physician.

5. Otitis Media

During swimming or bathing, contaminated water may enter the ear, causing otitis media and resulting in fluid accumulation or increased inflammatory secretions in the middle ear cavity. When lying down, this fluid or secretion in the left ear may shift, stimulating the eardrum or ossicular chain and causing tinnitus. Symptoms may include ear pain, hearing loss, and fever. Treatment may include medications such as Cefuroxime axetil tablets, Levofloxacin hydrochloride ear drops, and Lomefloxacin hydrochloride ear drops, as directed by a physician.

In daily life, it is advisable to adjust sleeping posture to avoid pressure on the left ear. Choosing a comfortable pillow and sleeping position may help alleviate symptoms of tinnitus.