Ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus, can come from noise, earwax, hearing changes, or other causes, so a clear account of when you notice it helps your doctor look in the right place. Here is what to prepare, what to ask, and how to follow up.
Track when you notice the ringing, whether it is one ear or both, and what it sounds like, from ringing to buzzing to hissing. Note whether it is constant or comes and goes, and how it affects your sleep or focus.
Write down anything around the time it started, like loud noise, a cold, or a new medication. List your current medications and any history of hearing loss or ear problems.
Expect your doctor to look in your ears, ask about the pattern, and check your hearing or refer you if needed. Lead with your notes so the visit focuses on finding a cause.
Take notes as the doctor talks, record the meeting (with their permission!) in myStoria, or add a quick voice note to myStoria as soon as possible afterward so that you are not relying on memory alone.
Before you leave the clinic, ask for copies of anything from the visit, like lab results, assessments, or referrals, and upload them to myStoria to keep your history complete. (If you aren't able to get copies, connect with Concierge and we can help you source them!)
After the visit, track when the ringing is better or worse and whether the plan is helping, along with any results. A clear record shows whether things are changing.
If the ringing comes on suddenly, is in one ear with hearing loss or dizziness, or follows a head injury, see a doctor promptly rather than waiting.
myStoria keeps when you notice the ringing, what comes with it, and your relevant history in one place, so your appointment starts from a clear pattern rather than a rough guess. Everything stays with you between visits, so a follow-up builds on the last. And when you want to talk something through, you can schedule a video consult in advance with a member of our team, several of whom are nurses.
This page offers general information to help you prepare for and follow up on your ringing in the ears appointment. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If the ringing comes on suddenly, is in one ear with hearing loss or dizziness, or follows a head injury, see a doctor promptly. myStoria video consults are scheduled in advance.