What Causes Ringing in the Ears After a Concert?
Ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus, is a common occurrence after a loud concert. Some people describe the ringing using other terms such as buzzing, roaring, clicking, beeping, ticking, hissing, whistling, chirping or whining. Whatever terms are used to describe the ringing, most people agree on one thing—it’s annoying. Understanding the cause of tinnitus begins with understanding how hearing works. The ear is comprised of three main parts—the outer, middle and inner ear. Sounds enter the outer ear and travel to the middle ear where the ear drum is located. The ear drum vibrates in response to the sound, and transmits these vibrations to the ossicles, which is made up of three small bones called the malleus, incus and stapes. The ossicles amplifies the sounds and transmits the vibrations to the inner ear (cochlea) via the oval window, which rests between the stapes and the cochlea. At this point, a more complex process begins. The sound vibrations pass through the oval win
