Book 14, Question 131
Why Do Your Ears Sometimes Ring After a Very Loud Noise?
Your ears can ring after a very loud noise because the tiny hair cells in them got tired out! The ringing is your ears' way of saying, "that was too loud." It is a helpful reminder to move away from loud noise and give your ears a rest.
More fun facts
- Ringing in the ears is called tinnitus, from a Latin word meaning noise.
- Tinnitus can be uncontrolled, non-stop ringing or buzzing, usually triggered by damage from loud noise.
- One man got ringing ears after a 2011 concert where neither he nor his friend wore earplugs.
- His tinnitus made sleeping a real problem.
- Doctors say anyone whose ears are ringing after loud noise should probably get a hearing test.
Sources: Scientific American, Science News Explores, BBC, BBC
Questions kids ask
q
a