Ringing in the ears:Medically called tinnitus, can be due to many causes includingearinfections, fluidinthe ears, Menieresyndrome(the combination oftinnitusanddeafness), some medications such asaspirinand other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),aging, and eartrauma(such as from the noise of planes, firearms, or loud music). In rare situations, tinnitus may also be due to ananeurysmor anacoustic neuroma(abenigntumoron theacoustic nerve). Woodwind players are more likely to experience tinnitus than other orchestral players, probably because they usually sit just in front of the brass. If tinnitus persists or its cause is unknown, a hearing test (audiogram) should be done. Measures can be taken to lessen the intensity of tinnitus or to mask it.
