3 Common Causes of Tinnitus

Tinnitus occurs when you hear noises that are not caused by external sources. In most cases, people experience a ringing or buzzing noise in their ears. Often, tinnitus is a temporary problem, but in some cases, it can be chronic. There are various possible causes of tinnitus. Here are three of the most common.

Hearing loss

Many people who have tinnitus also experience a degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss can occur as a result of aging, which tends to increase the risk of damage to the minute sensory hair cells inside the cochlea. As you get older, these tiny cells become worn, making it more difficult to hear. When you struggle to hear, you may find that the symptoms of tinnitus are exacerbated, as you cannot process external noises that would mask internal ringing, humming or buzzing sounds. If you are finding it increasingly difficult to hear, and you have symptoms of tinnitus, it’s wise to arrange to see your audiologist. If your hearing tests show substantial hearing loss, wearing hearing aids is likely to improve your hearing and reduce the severity of symptoms of tinnitus.

Exposure to high noise levels

Have you ever noticed that you suffer from tinnitus after a night out at a club or a gig? Exposure to loud noises is one of the most common causes of tinnitus. Usually, symptoms are temporary, and they subside within a few hours. However, in some cases, symptoms are persistent. This may occur as a result of prolonged or frequent exposure to loud noises, which damages the delicate hair cells inside the ear. If you listen to music through headphones, or your job involves working in a noisy environment or using machinery or tools that produce high levels of noise, you may be susceptible to tinnitus. If your job does carry a risk of occupational hearing loss, it’s essential to wear ear defenders or custom earplugs to protect your hearing and prevent tinnitus.

Ear infections

If you have an ear infection, this can put you at risk of temporary hearing loss and tinnitus. If you see an audiologist with symptoms of hearing loss and tinnitus, they will carry out tests and examine your ears to identify a cause. If you do have an infection, it’s highly likely that treating the infection will alleviate symptoms of tinnitus and improve your ability to hear. In addition to hearing loss, symptoms of ear infections may include nausea and dizziness, ear pain, a lack of balance and fever.

Have you started to hear buzzing, whooshing or hissing noises in your ears? Are you suffering from signs of tinnitus on a regular basis, or have your symptoms got worse of late? Tinnitus is usually a temporary issue, but in some cases, it can be a recurrent problem, which has a major bearing on quality of life. If you are struggling, it’s advisable to see your audiologist. When you have an appointment, your audiologist will examine your ears and evaluate your symptoms to identify a cause and ascertain the best treatment options.