Differential Diagnosis for Left Ear Ringing
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Tinnitus: This is the most common diagnosis for ear ringing, which can be caused by exposure to loud noises, earwax buildup, or certain medications. It is a symptom rather than a disease and can be related to various underlying conditions.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Meniere's disease: An inner ear disorder that involves vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The ringing in the ear can be a symptom of this condition.
- Otosclerosis: A type of bone growth in the middle ear that can cause hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Eustachian tube dysfunction: The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. Dysfunction of this tube can lead to tinnitus among other symptoms.
- Earwax impaction: Excessive earwax can cause irritation and lead to tinnitus.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Acoustic neuroma: A non-cancerous tumor that grows on the cranial nerve running from the brain to the inner ear, affecting hearing and balance. It can cause tinnitus and is critical to diagnose early.
- Temporal bone fracture: A fracture in the temporal bone can cause tinnitus, among other symptoms, and requires immediate medical attention.
- Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA): Though less common, tinnitus can be a symptom of a stroke or TIA, especially if accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
- Rare diagnoses
- Lyme disease: In rare cases, Lyme disease can cause tinnitus among its wide range of symptoms.
- Autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus): Certain autoimmune disorders can have tinnitus as one of their symptoms, though this is less common.
- Ototoxicity from certain medications or chemicals: Some medications and chemicals can damage the ear and cause tinnitus. This is rare but can occur with specific exposures.
- Vestibular schwannoma: Similar to acoustic neuroma but less common, it affects the vestibular nerve and can cause tinnitus.