Can Kids Get Tinnitus? Signs and Solutions

Introduction:

When we think of tinnitus—the persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming in the ears—it is often associated with adults, particularly older individuals. However, children can also experience tinnitus, and because they may struggle to describe what they are hearing, their symptoms can easily go unnoticed. That is why it is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the signs, causes, and available treatment options for tinnitus in children.

One surprisingly common cause of tinnitus in kids is a build-up of earwax. When not properly managed, excess wax can block the ear canal, disrupt hearing, and trigger tinnitus symptoms. But earwax is not the only culprit—tinnitus in children may also be linked to infections, hearing loss, stress, or prolonged exposure to loud noise.

In this blog, we will explore how tinnitus affects children, what signs to watch for, and how to manage it effectively. We will also highlight how ear wax removal Essex experts can play a key role in providing safe relief when wax build-up is part of the problem.

What is Tinnitus in Children?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there is no actual noise. This can feel like:

1. Ringing
2. Buzzing
3. Humming
4. Clicking
5. Roaring

Children may hear these sounds in one or both ears. The sounds might come and go, or they might be constant. For some children, it’s barely noticeable, but for others, it can affect sleep, concentration, and emotional well-being.

Unlike adults, children may struggle to explain what they’re hearing. They might say, "My ears are making noises" or "I hear a ringing sound." This is why it’s important for parents to listen carefully and take their concerns seriously.

What Causes Tinnitus in Children?

Tinnitus in children doesn’t have a single cause—it can happen due to many different reasons.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are a leading cause of tinnitus in children. These infections, especially middle ear infections (otitis media), can create pressure in the ear and block normal hearing. This pressure or fluid build-up may lead to temporary ringing or buzzing sounds.

Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections due to their smaller and more horizontal Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the nose.

When these tubes become swollen or filled with fluid, the ear can’t drain properly, leading to discomfort and sometimes tinnitus. If left untreated, repeated infections may affect hearing and cause more serious problems.

Loud Noise Exposure

Even though children may not attend loud concerts or clubs, they are still exposed to harmful noise in many ways—through headphones, tablets, TVs, and even noisy toys.

Listening to music or videos at a high volume for a long time can damage the hair cells in the inner ear. These cells are responsible for sending sound signals to the brain, and once damaged, they don’t grow back.

Loud noise exposure not only causes temporary tinnitus but can lead to permanent hearing damage over time.

Ear Wax Build-Up

Tinnitus is often linked to earwax build-up, particularly in children. Kids tend to produce more earwax than adults, and in some cases, it can harden or block the ear canal. This blockage puts pressure on the eardrum or disrupts normal sound transmission, which can trigger tinnitus symptoms.

Unfortunately, using cotton buds to clean the ears can make matters worse by pushing the wax deeper into the canal, increasing the risk of impaction and irritation.

If you suspect that earwax is contributing to your child’s tinnitus, avoid home removal methods. Instead, consider visiting a trusted ear wax removal clinic where trained professionals use safe techniques—such as microsuction—to gently remove the wax without damaging the delicate ear structures.

Hearing Loss

Tinnitus is sometimes a sign of hearing loss, even if it’s mild or not yet noticeable. Some children are born with hearing problems, while others develop them due to infections, genetics, or noise exposure.

When the brain receives fewer sound signals from the ear, it may create its own “phantom” sounds to make up for the missing input—this is what causes tinnitus.

If your child is showing signs of struggling to hear, like asking for repeats or turning up the TV too loud, it's important to get a hearing test.

Stress or Anxiety

Children may not always express stress the same way adults do, but emotional health can still play a big role in tinnitus. School pressure, bullying, family changes, or even fear of the dark can all lead to stress.

When the brain is on high alert, it can become more sensitive to sound—and more likely to notice ringing or buzzing noises.

Tinnitus caused by stress may become more noticeable in quiet environments, like at bedtime. Helping your child manage stress with routines, relaxation techniques, or professional support can reduce the impact of tinnitus.

Medical Conditions or Head Injuries

Though less common, certain medical conditions can cause tinnitus. These include:

• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• High blood pressure
• Thyroid problems
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Neurological conditions

Additionally, if a child has had a head injury, concussion, or neck trauma, this can affect nerves or blood flow around the ear and trigger tinnitus.

If your child’s tinnitus started suddenly after a fall or illness, or if it's accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or balance problems, you should speak to a doctor right away.

How to Recognize Tinnitus in Children

Because young children often cannot describe their symptoms clearly, you’ll need to observe their behavior. Here are some signs that may indicate tinnitus:

• Complaining of strange sounds in the ears
• Difficulty sleeping or frequent waking at night
• Trouble concentrating in class or at home
• Holding or rubbing their ears often
• Saying they can’t hear well
• Acting irritated or stressed without a clear reason

Is Tinnitus in Children Permanent?

In many cases, tinnitus in children is temporary, especially when caused by ear infections, earwax, or loud noise exposure. Once the cause is treated, the ringing or buzzing usually goes away.

However, if the cause is hearing loss or a chronic medical condition, the tinnitus may become long-term.

How to Treat & Manage Tinnitus in Kids

Medical Treatment

If your child has an ear infection or another medical issue, your doctor will treat that first. This often clears up the tinnitus.

Hearing Aids

For children with hearing loss, using hearing aids can help reduce the effects of tinnitus by improving sound clarity and reducing ear strain.

Sound Therapy

Playing soft background noise, like white noise or nature sounds, can help mask the ringing and make it less noticeable.

Counseling and Support

If tinnitus is bothering your child emotionally, a counselor or therapist can teach coping strategies. Relaxation techniques and breathing exercises can also help.

Avoid Loud Noises

Make sure your child avoids loud music and uses headphones at a safe volume. Teach them the 60/60 rule: use no more than 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.

Keep Routines Calm

A peaceful bedtime routine, with soft music or calming sounds, can help kids with tinnitus sleep better.

Safe & Effective Ear Wax Removal Essex for Children with Tinnitus

Tinnitus in children can be distressing, but the good news is that many cases are manageable—especially when caused by something as treatable as earwax build-up. Attempting home remedies or using cotton buds may seem like a quick fix but can worsen the problem or lead to injury.

Seeking help from professional ear wax removal services in Essex ensures your child receives safe, gentle ear care. Techniques like microsuction or irrigation, when performed by trained experts, are effective and child-friendly. These procedures offer a clean, precise solution to wax-related blockages and may significantly ease tinnitus symptoms.

Managing your child’s tinnitus is a collaborative effort between parents, healthcare professionals, and your child’s own growing awareness of their well-being. With expert care and the right support, they can enjoy clear hearing and a joyful, worry-free childhood.