Body Language: Are These Sounds and Signals a Problem?

Ringing in the Ears

What's Normal

If it lasts for a week or less and doesn't really bother you, there's probably nothing to worry about. One of the most common culprits: your blasting iPod. If you turn the volume down by 40 percent or more and limit your listening to an hour a day, the ringing (known as tinnitus) should stop. Drinking lots of caffeine or taking more than four aspirin in 24 hours can also trigger the ringing by reducing blood flow to the inner ear, says Jennifer Derebery, MD, an otolaryngologist at the House Ear Clinic and Institute in Los Angeles. Cut back on both.

What's Not

Ringing that persists beyond a week. Also ringing that pulsates, distracts, occurs in one ear only, or is accompanied by sudden hearing loss. You may have an infection or impaired circulation to the inner ear, which can be caused by heart or thyroid disease, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, says Dr. Derebery. See your doctor for an ear exam.