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Tinnitus in one ear: common causes and when to see a doctor

Updated October 10, 2026 · 5 minute read · Español

Ringing, buzzing or hissing in just one ear is common, and most of the time the cause is not serious. But one-sided tinnitus is also one of the situations where doctors specifically recommend a hearing test, because a small number of causes need treatment. Here's what to know.

Common causes of one-sided tinnitus

• Earwax or a blocked ear. Wax pressing on the eardrum, or fluid behind it after a cold, can cause ringing and a muffled feeling on one side. Don't dig at it yourself; a clinician can check and clear it safely.
• Ear infection. Often comes with pain, pressure or reduced hearing.
• Noise on one side. A gunshot, a loud speaker on one side, or using a phone on one ear can affect that ear more.
• Hearing loss in that ear. Tinnitus often sits near the frequencies where hearing has dropped.
• Ménière's disease. Episodes of spinning dizziness, fluctuating hearing, ear fullness and roaring tinnitus, usually on one side.
• Jaw and neck problems. Some people's tinnitus changes when they clench their jaw or move their neck.
• Rarely, a benign growth on the hearing nerve (vestibular schwannoma, also called acoustic neuroma). It isn't cancer, but it can affect hearing and balance. It's one reason one-sided symptoms get checked.

What the guidelines recommend

The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery's tinnitus guideline recommends a prompt, comprehensive hearing test for people whose tinnitus is in one ear, has lasted six months or more, or comes with hearing difficulty.

The same guideline says scans aren't routinely needed for tinnitus. Doctors may order imaging, usually an MRI, when there are specific reasons, such as tinnitus in one ear only, tinnitus that pulses with your heartbeat, uneven hearing loss between ears, or other neurological symptoms.

Pulsatile tinnitus is different

If what you hear is a rhythmic whoosh or thump that matches your heartbeat, tell your doctor. It's called pulsatile tinnitus, and it can be linked to blood flow near the ear, so it's evaluated differently from a steady ring.

What to expect at the appointment

1. History and ear exam. When it started, which ear, what it sounds like, any hearing changes, dizziness, noise exposure and medicines.
2. Hearing test (audiogram). Measures hearing in each ear separately. An audiologist may also do a tinnitus pitch and loudness match.
3. Next steps. Depending on the results: clearing wax, treating infection, a hearing aid evaluation, imaging, or a referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist.

Describe it before you go

It helps to bring a clear description: which ear, when it started, whether it's constant or comes and goes, and roughly what pitch it is. You can find an approximate pitch at home with headphones and a slow frequency sweep played in that ear only. See how to find your tinnitus frequency. Write down the range you find and bring it along. It's a description to share, not a diagnosis.

Common questions

Is ringing in one ear a sign of a brain tumor?

Usually not. Most one-sided tinnitus has an ordinary cause like earwax, noise exposure or hearing loss. Growths on the hearing nerve are uncommon and are not cancer, which is why a hearing test, rather than worry, is the right first step.

Can it go away on its own?

Tinnitus after a blocked ear, a cold or one loud event often fades. If it lasts more than a few weeks, keeps coming back, or comes with hearing changes, get it checked.

Should I use earplugs?

Use hearing protection around loud noise. Avoid plugging your ears in everyday quiet settings, since silence tends to make tinnitus more noticeable.