What causes a roaring or buzzing sound in the ears?
Nov 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears may be caused by excessive fatigue, high stress levels, external auditory canal obstruction due to earwax buildup, secretory otitis media, or Ménière's disease. Long-term intensive work or frequent late-night hours can lead to physical exhaustion, affecting inner ear blood circulation and causing the ears to buzz. Adjusting daily routines, ensuring 7–8 hours of sleep per night, and reducing physical and mental strain are recommended.
Generally, a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears may be caused by excessive fatigue, high stress levels, external auditory canal cerumen impaction, secretory otitis media, Ménière's disease, or other reasons. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to seek timely evaluation and treatment at the otorhinolaryngology department of a reputable hospital to identify the underlying cause and receive targeted therapy. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Excessive fatigue: Prolonged high-intensity work or frequent late-night hours can lead to physical exhaustion and impaired blood circulation in the inner ear, resulting in a buzzing sensation in the ear. Adjusting sleep patterns, ensuring 7–8 hours of sleep per day, and reducing physical and mental strain can gradually alleviate symptoms.
2. High stress: Chronic anxiety and tension can disrupt hormonal balance, affecting neurotransmitter secretion in the inner ear and triggering a ringing or buzzing sensation. Releasing stress through exercise, meditation, and maintaining emotional stability—while avoiding mental strain—can progressively improve symptoms.
3. External auditory canal cerumen impaction: Accumulation of earwax blocking the ear canal can interfere with sound conduction, causing a buzzing sensation accompanied by ear fullness and mild hearing loss. A physician should remove the blockage using specialized tools. For particularly hard earwax, sodium bicarbonate ear drops may be used as directed by a doctor to soften the wax before removal. Avoid self-cleaning the ears in daily life.
4. Secretory otitis media: Eustachian tube dysfunction leads to fluid accumulation in the middle ear cavity, causing a buzzing sensation along with ear pain and hearing loss. Treatment may involve medications such as cefaclor capsules, eucalyptus citronellal enteric soft capsules, and acetate prednisone tablets under medical guidance, combined with Eustachian tube inflation techniques to improve ventilation.
5. Ménière's disease: Endolymphatic hydrops (fluid buildup) in the inner ear labyrinth affects auditory function, leading to tinnitus (ringing or buzzing), accompanied by vertigo and fluctuating hearing loss. Doctors may prescribe betahistine mesylate tablets, hydrochlorothiazide tablets, and difenidol tablets depending on the condition. During acute episodes, bed rest is recommended, and strenuous activities should be avoided.
In daily life, it is important to maintain a regular routine, practice good ear hygiene, avoid noisy environments, limit headphone use, and undergo regular hearing check-ups for early detection and intervention to protect ear health.
