Unmasking the causes of tinnitus

Tinnitus is a complex, and often misunderstood phenomenon. Because tinnitus perceptions are so internal and individual, people often feel isolated by their symptoms. Let's talk about some of the common causes of tinnitus and make the mystery more mundane. Understanding the root cause of your tinnitus is an important part of determining the right treatment. 

No matter what causes the onset of your tinnitus, we recommend working with a hearing healthcare professional to find the right treatment plan. Tinnitus can range from a passing annoyance to a sever disturbance that disturbs your everyday life. Whatever your unique experience, professional guidance can get you on the right path towards relief.

The most common cause of tinnitus is hearing loss; about 90% of people experiencing tinnitus symptoms have hearing loss . One of the easiest ways to explain this, is that the brain is used to receiving ear-to-brain signals when sound is registered at different frequencies. When there is hearing loss, the brain searches for those signals, but does not find them. In response, the brain will create signals (AKA: phantom sounds) producing the perception of tinnitus. Treating hearing loss and treating tinnitus often goes hand-in-hand. If you're unsure whether you're tinnitus is caused by hearing loss, try our free online hearing screening. With 5 minutes and a pair of headphones you can gain a better understanding of your hearing challenges and plan next steps.

1. Damage from exposure to loud noise

One of the leading causes of tinnitus and related hearing loss is damage from exposure to loud noise. Whether it's from a loud concert, workplace machinery, or prolonged use of personal audio devices at high volumes, the delicate hair cells in the inner ear can suffer damage. This damage, in turn, can lead to the perception of persistent tinnitus sounds.

2. Age-related hearing loss

As we age, the natural wear and tear on the auditory system can contribute to age-related hearing loss. The gradual loss of sensitivity to high-frequency sounds can pave the way for the emergence of tinnitus. It's as if the melodies of certain frequencies begin to fade, leaving behind an internal echo.

3. Earwax blockage disrupting hearing

Sometimes, a simple yet impactful factor like earwax can play a role in tinnitus. A blockage in the ear canal due to excessive earwax can disrupt the normal hearing process, leading to the perception of sounds that aren't externally present.

4. Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can be orchestrators of tinnitus. Conditions like Meniere's disease, which affects the inner ear's fluid balance, or otosclerosis, an abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, can contribute to the emergence of tinnitus as a symptom. For 

5. Side effects from medications

Some medications list tinnitus as a potential side effect. From antibiotics to diuretics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), certain medications can impact the auditory system and give rise to the internal sounds of tinnitus. Talk to your prescriber if you're experiencing tinnitus as a side-effect that disturbs 

6. Head and Neck Injuries: The Disruptive Crescendo

Trauma to the head or neck, such as a severe blow or whiplash, can have repercussions on the auditory system. This disruptive force can trigger the onset of tinnitus, introducing an unwelcome element to the auditory landscape.

7. Genetic Factors: The Inherited Melody

In some cases, genetic factors may contribute to a predisposition for tinnitus. While the interplay of genetics in tinnitus is still an area of ongoing research, familial patterns suggest that there may be a hereditary component to the condition.

Understanding the causes of your tinnitus is crucial for navigating the right treatment strategies to alleviate your symptoms and bring you relief. Seeking help from an audiologist or other healthcare provider can be the first step to getting your tinnitus under control. Guidance from a professional can unmask your underlying cause so that the treatment method is appropriate for your specific needs. 

If you're curious about your specific underlying causes or symptoms, schedule a free 15-minute virtual consultation with the BLUEMOTH audiology team today. Our audiologists are board certified and tinnitus management, and are happy to discuss your specific needs and whether a BLUEMOTH solution for tinnitus relief is the right fit for you.