What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external noise is present. Often described as ringing in the ears, tinnitus can also sound like buzzing, humming, hissing, clicking, or whistling.
Tinnitus is commonly associated with hearing loss, and many people experience both conditions together. While many wonder, does tinnitus cause hearing loss? In most cases, tinnitus doesn't cause hearing loss, but the two often share the same underlying causes.
Understanding the connection between tinnitus and hearing loss can help you find the right treatment and relief.
Causes of Tinnitus
Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common cause of tinnitus. Exposure to loud noise for extended periods of time can damage the hair cells of the inner ear, leading to reduced hearing (cue the slideshow of headbanging rockstars running through your mind).
Regardless of where the noise exposure and resulting damage came from, tinnitus is your brain's adaptive reaction of "making up for" the noises it's no longer getting from the outside world. In short: your brain is creating noise to fill the silence.
Other causes of tinnitus include:
Age-related hearing loss
Ear disorders
Blockage of the ear (such as earwax buildup)
Other medical conditions (such as cardiovascular or autoimmune disorders)
Damage to the middle and inner ear
Ear infections
Some prescription and non-prescription drugs
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Types of Tinnitus
There are two main types of tinnitus: subjective tinnitus and objective tinnitus.
- Subjective tinnitus is the most common type. Only the person experiencing it can hear the sound, such as ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears. Most cases of tinnitus fall into this category and are often associated with hearing loss.
- Objective tinnitus is rare, accounting for fewer than 1% of cases. In these cases, a healthcare provider may also be able to hear the sound during an examination. It is usually caused by an underlying medical condition, such as a blood vessel (vascular) disorder or muscle movement in or around the ear.
Tinnitus Risk Factors,Tinnitus Risk Factors
Tinnitus Risk Factors
Loud noises:
Reducing exposure to or protecting your ears from loud noise can prevent damage to your hearing.Smoking and drinking:
Both can increase your risk of developing tinnitus and can worsen symptoms.Caffeine and certain foods:
Both have been linked to worsening symptoms in some individuals.Lifestyle:
Stress, fatigue and unhealthy lifestyle habits can all trigger or increase tinnitus symptoms.
Is There a Cure for Tinnitus?
Tinnitus Relief Therapy (TRT)
Can You Prevent Tinnitus?
Use ear protection
Turn down the volume
Avoid alcohol, tobacco and caffeine
Leaving Tinnitus Untreated
If your tinnitus is mild or intermittent, you may be able to live just fine with the occasional symptoms. However, if your tinnitus is constant and you are finding it hard to concentrate and relax in your everyday life, untreated tinnitus can be dangerous.
Constant focus on your tinnitus can lead to fatigue, anxiety, depression and isolation from your social groups. Finding ways to manage and lessen the noticeability of your tinnitus can greatly increase your quality of life.
Tinnitus & Hearing Loss: FAQ
Will hearing loss from tinnitus go away?
Does tinnitus or hearing loss mean your brain is in trouble?
What type of hearing loss is tinnitus?
Does ear ringing mean permanent damage?
