Ear Ringing Due to Hearing Loss or Earwax Buildup

This is the most likely cause, as tinnitus and sound sensitivity often result from changes in how the brain processes reduced auditory input. Confirmation is achieved through an otoscopy, where a provider visually inspects the ear canal for impacted cerumen (earwax), followed by a standard audiogram to measure for age-related or noise-induced hearing loss. A tympanometry test is also used to ensure the eardrum and middle ear mechanisms are functioning without mechanical obstruction.

Sources