Common Causes Of Tinnitus

Information On Tinnitus

This article offers basic information on tinnitus, which is a hearing disorder many people call "ringing in the ear." More information about tinnitus and living with tinnitus is available by clicking on the links at the bottom of this page.

The worst thing about living with tinnitus, according to those who suffer from it, is that "the sounds never go away." It may often be difficult for a doctor to determine why ear noises like ringing, rumbling, hissing or even "whooshing" are occurring.

Common causes of tinnitus Causes of tinnitus are many and varied. Tinnitus may be a sign of any number of health problems not connected to the ears and hearing. A number of diseases and disorders may be among the causes of tinnitus. First, we'll look at potential diseases, conditions, or injuries to the ear that may cause tinnitus, or may be symptoms of tinnitus.

Blocked ear canal Very often, this happens when excess ear wax accumulates to the point where it fills the entire ear canal. If the blockage becomes severe, damage to the ear may occur.

Blocked Eustachian tube Most often, this happens as the result of fluid in the ear from an ear infection.

Ear infection Common in infants and toddlers, but may also happen to adults. Swimmers ear, which happens when water gets into the ear and triggers bacterial growth, is an ear infection.

Otosclerosis This is an abnormal growth of bone of the middle ear which can result in hearing loss. Otosclerosis frequently causes tinnitus.

Meniere's disease Meniere's is a disease of the inner ear characterized by episodes of dizziness and tinnitus and progressive hearing loss. Only one ear is affected in approximately 80 percent of cases.

TMJ This is the abbreviation for "temporomandibular joint." Basically it refers to the joint that holds the jaw and surrounding muscles. TMJ disorders can be quite painful, triggering tinnitus, severe headaches, neck pain and shoulder pain.

Anemia This condition has been known to trigger tinnitus. Someone with anemia lacks the normal number of red blood cells, compromising the capacity of the blood to transport oxygen to the tissues.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure has been shown to be one of the causes of tinnitus.

Arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which contributes to heart attacks and strokes.

Hypothyroidism This occurs when the thyroid gland isn't producing enough thyroid hormone. Also known as underactive thyroid or low thyroid.

Presbycusis This relates to hearing loss and other hearing problems that happen in the normal course of aging.

Other common causes of tinnitus An outside factor may also cause tinnitus. Among these are

• head injuries that damage the ear. Concussions often cause tinnitus. Ask any NFL quarterback.
• a blast, explosion, or extremely loud sound can cause ear damage resulting in tinnitus.
• exposure to loud sounds or music over an extended period of time is one of the major causes of tinnitus. Musicians Neil Young, John Entwhistle, Peter Townshend and other "rockers" are known to have ear damage from years of being exposed to high volume music on stage and in recording studios. See our article on famous tinnitus sufferers.

Heredity is not generally regarded as one of the causes of tinnitus. There are several inherited inner ear disorders, such as neurofibromatosis, but they're extremely rare.

Drugs that cause tinnitus, There are several drugs that cause tinnitus because they can damage parts of the ear when misused. These drugs that cause tinnitus include aspirin and certain antibiotics.

Certain medical conditions not related to the ears may also be among the common causes of tinnitus.