Low Frequency Tinnitus - Ears’ Deep Humming Driving You Crazy

Have you ever found yourself wondering: Why do I hear a low hum, even when everything around me is quiet? If so, you're not alone. Many older adults experience an unusual sound that isn't caused by any external noise. It may feel like a deep, low rumble—almost like a faraway engine that never stops. This is what we refer to as low-frequency tinnitus, and it's more common than you might think.

As a hearing expert who's spent decades working with people experiencing all types of tinnitus, I've had countless conversations with older adults confused or even scared by these phantom sounds. Some worry it's a sign of something serious. Others wonder if it's all in their head. In truth, tinnitus is real, complex, and—most importantly—manageable.

In this blog, I'll walk you through the basics of tinnitus, focus on the lesser-known but frustrating low-frequency tinnitus, explain its causes, and share practical treatment options. I'll even include real experiences and suggestions that have worked for my clients. Along the way, I'll also show how hearing aids, such as the Cearvol Diamond X1 Black Rechargeable Hearing Aids, can offer gentle, effective support for those struggling with both hearing loss and persistent tinnitus.

Let's start with the basics.

You may also be interested in:

• Tinnitus and Hearing Loss: What's the Connection?
• Diabetes and Tinnitus - Don't Ignore This Buzzing Sound in Your Ears
• How Hearing Aids Can Help with Tinnitus: A Comprehensive Guide

Part 1: What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there's no actual external source. It's like hearing a sound that no one else can hear—because it's not coming from the environment around you, but from inside your ears or brain.

For many people, it presents as a high-pitched ringing. Others might hear buzzing, chirping, hissing, or clicking. And in the case of low-frequency tinnitus, that sound takes on a deeper, more rumbling tone—a bit like a bass note that won't fade away.

I like to describe tinnitus as your brain's way of trying to "fill in" missing sounds. In many cases, it happens when your auditory system isn't receiving certain sound frequencies—especially if you have hearing loss. The brain compensates by creating its own noise.

You might be wondering, Is tinnitus high or low frequency? The answer is: it can be both. Most commonly, people experience high-pitched tinnitus, but low-frequency tinnitus is very real and often more disruptive because it blends more easily with everyday background noise—making it harder to ignore.

In the next section, we'll dive into the different types of tinnitus, so you can understand where your experience fits in—and why it matters when choosing a treatment.

Part 2: Types of Tinnitus

Tinnitus isn't a one-size-fits-all condition. There are several different types, and understanding which one you're experiencing is the first step toward effective management. Here's a breakdown of the main types I see most often in my practice:

1. Subjective Tinnitus

This is the most common type, and it's the one most people are referring to when they talk about tinnitus. It means only you can hear the sound—whether it's ringing, buzzing, or low-frequency humming. It's usually linked to hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, or age-related auditory changes.

2. Objective Tinnitus

This type is rare. With objective tinnitus, a doctor may actually be able to hear the sound during an examination. It's usually caused by a vascular issue or muscle contractions near the ear.

3. Neurological Tinnitus

Often associated with conditions like multiple sclerosis or other neurological disorders, this form of tinnitus results from abnormal nerve activity in the brain's hearing centers.

4. Somatic Tinnitus

This happens when movements or pressure from your body—like clenching your jaw or turning your neck—change the way the tinnitus sounds. I've seen this in clients with TMJ issues or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.

5. Low-Frequency Tinnitus

This is our focus today. Low-frequency tinnitus sounds different from most other types. Rather than a sharp, high-pitched tone, it comes across as a deep hum, rumble, or drone. Many people find it difficult to describe, and even harder to tune out. That persistent, muffled low-frequency humming can make it feel like you're never in a truly quiet space.

In fact, I had a client who said it reminded him of the sound of a diesel truck idling outside his house. He even called the utility company to check for underground issues—only to learn it was his ears creating the sound.

Understanding that you're dealing with low-frequency tinnitus—not just general tinnitus—is important, because the approach to relief may differ. We'll explore those strategies soon.

But first, let's zoom in on this specific type. What exactly does low-frequency tinnitus sound like, and how does it compare to something called the Hum?

Part 3: What Is Low-Frequency Tinnitus?

Low-frequency tinnitus is a unique and often misunderstood form of tinnitus. Unlike the classic high-pitched ringing many people associate with the condition, low-frequency tinnitus produces sounds that fall into the deeper end of the hearing spectrum—typically under 2,000 Hz. Think of it as more of a hum, drone, or rumble, rather than a squeal.

How Does It Sound?

Most people describe it like this:

• "It's like hearing a truck idling down the block, but it never moves."

• "It feels like a low engine vibration that follows me around."

• "Sometimes I think it's my refrigerator—but I still hear it when I leave the house."

This persistent, muffled low-frequency humming can feel like it's coming from outside your body, which makes it even more frustrating. You might spend time searching for a sound source in your home—checking the air conditioning, the pipes, or even asking neighbors if they hear it too. Often, it takes weeks or even months before people realize: the sound is internal.

Why Is It So Disruptive?

The real trouble with low-frequency tinnitus is that it blends into the background of daily life—so instead of being masked by silence, it becomes more noticeable in quiet settings. That's why many people report that it bothers them most at night or when relaxing, making it hard to concentrate, meditate, or fall asleep.

And unlike high-pitched ringing, which can often be drowned out by everyday noise, low-frequency tinnitus has fewer environmental competitors—making it harder to ignore.

In the next section, we'll look at an interesting and somewhat mysterious phenomenon called "the Hum", which shares many traits with low-frequency tinnitus. And you might be surprised how many people around the world have heard something—but can't find where it's coming from.

Part 4: What Is the Hum?

If you've ever Googled the strange sound you're hearing, you may have stumbled upon something called "the Hum." It's a global phenomenon—reports have come from the UK, the US, Canada, and beyond. People describe hearing a low, persistent droning sound, especially noticeable at night. No clear source is ever found.

One of the most well-known examples is the Windsor Hum, a mysterious low-frequency noise that plagued residents in Windsor, Ontario, for years. Investigators linked it to industrial activity across the border—but for many people, it was never truly solved.

So what's the connection to low-frequency tinnitus?

While the Hum may be caused by external factors, some researchers believe that at least part of the population reporting it could actually be experiencing subjective low-frequency tinnitus without realizing it. In other words, the "external" sound may not be external at all.

This overlap can be confusing and even distressing. But the good news is: if it's tinnitus, that means it can be managed. And we'll get into what causes low frequency tinnitus in the next section—so you can begin to take back control.

Part 5: Causes of Low-Frequency Tinnitus

Understanding what causes low-frequency tinnitus is key to managing it effectively. The tricky part? There isn't just one cause. In fact, there are several different medical, auditory, and lifestyle-related factors that can contribute to that persistent low hum. Let's go through the most common ones I encounter in my work with older adults.

1. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

The Eustachian tube helps equalize pressure between your middle ear and the outside world. But when it's blocked—often due to allergies, sinus infections, or inflammation—it can create a sensation of fullness, imbalance, or that classic low-frequency humming sound in one or both ears. It's particularly common after colds or changes in altitude.

2. Ménière's Disease

Ménière's is a chronic inner ear disorder that's often marked by low-frequency hearing loss and tinnitus, along with dizziness and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the affected ear. In fact, tinnitus is usually one of the first symptoms people notice—often before they realize their hearing has shifted in the lower frequencies.

3. Hearing Loss Itself

This surprises many people, but yes—low-frequency hearing loss tinnitus is a thing. When you lose the ability to hear lower sounds (like men's voices or bass tones), your brain sometimes compensates by generating its own internal noise in that range. Over time, this becomes the persistent hum or rumble you notice.

If you want to better understand the different types and stages of hearing deterioration, this blog post about hearing loss may offer more context.

4. Cardiovascular and Circulatory Issues

High blood pressure and poor circulation can impact the delicate structures in your inner ear, especially the cochlea. When blood flow is restricted or uneven, it can trigger or worsen tinnitus—including the low-frequency tinnitus variety.

5. Stress and Anxiety

Chronic stress doesn't just affect your mood—it impacts your entire nervous system. I've seen many clients whose low-frequency tinnitus spikes during stressful periods. Why? Because stress can cause your muscles to tighten (especially in the jaw and neck), raise your blood pressure, and heighten your awareness of internal sounds.

Part 6: Low-Frequency Tinnitus Treatment

Now that we've explored what causes low frequency tinnitus, let's talk about what you can do about it. While there's no universal "cure" for tinnitus yet, there are many effective strategies that can reduce its intensity and improve your quality of life—especially when your symptoms involve that deep, persistent low-frequency humming.

Here are the treatments and coping strategies I've seen work well for many of my clients over the years:

1. Hearing Aids (Yes, Even for Low Frequencies)

If your tinnitus is connected to low frequency hearing loss, then amplifying those lost sounds can often help. By restoring more natural sound input to your auditory system, hearing aids reduce your brain's urge to "fill in the gaps" with phantom noises.

In fact, I've had several older clients find relief simply by using the right type of hearing support. One helpful option is the Cearvol Diamond X1 Rechargeable Hearing Aids. These are designed with a smooth response across lower and mid-range frequencies—which can help reduce the perceived volume of low-frequency tinnitus, especially when paired with consistent daily use.

2. Sound Therapy

This technique involves using soothing background sounds—like ocean waves, brown noise, or distant thunder—to mask or distract from the tinnitus. For low-frequency tinnitus, deep tones tend to work best.

Many people use sound machines, smartphone apps, or even simple white noise fans while sleeping. The goal isn't to "erase" the tinnitus, but to help your brain become less aware of it over time.

3. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)

This is a structured program that combines sound therapy with counseling. The idea is to "retrain" your brain to treat the tinnitus as a neutral background noise—something that doesn't need attention or emotional reaction.

Numerous studies support TRT as an effective long-term strategy, especially for people with persistent symptoms. You can read more about how it works in this Tinnitus retraining therapy article.

4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Sometimes it's not the tinnitus itself, but how we respond to it. CBT can help reframe the emotional toll of tinnitus—especially the anxiety, frustration, or sleep issues it can cause. In combination with other therapies, it can make a big difference in how you experience the sound.

5. Lifestyle Changes

While not a "treatment" per se, adjusting your habits can lower the intensity of symptoms:

• Reduce sodium and caffeine (both can affect inner ear fluid balance).

• Get enough sleep and manage stress.

• Avoid environments with prolonged low-frequency industrial noise.

I always recommend tracking what makes your tinnitus better or worse—it's a simple but powerful habit that often leads to insight and relief.

Conclusion

Low-frequency tinnitus—those deep humming or rumbling sounds you hear—can be frustrating and isolating. But you're not alone, and more importantly, you're not powerless. Whether it's linked to low-frequency hearing loss, stress, or inner ear conditions, understanding the low frequency tinnitus causes is the first step toward relief.

Tools like sound therapy, tinnitus retraining, and hearing aids can make a real difference when used consistently.

If you're still asking is tinnitus high or low frequency, remember—it varies. But no matter the pitch, what matters most is how it affects your daily life. Take the time to explore options and learn more, starting with the cause of the tinnitus and how hearing loss plays a role.

Relief is possible—and it starts with the right knowledge and support.