Tinnitus is a condition where a person perceives sounds that have no external source. These sounds – often described as ringing, buzzing, hissing, whooshing, or clicking – can be constant or intermittent. Ranging from a subtle background noise to a debilitating roar, tinnitus can significantly impact a person's quality of life.
While tinnitus is frequently linked to hearing loss, it can result from various factors, including:
F E A T U R E S
Loud sounds can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, triggering tinnitus. This can be temporary or can turn into permanent tinnitus.
Age or noise-related hearing loss is the most common cause of tinnitus.
Wax, infections or fluid buildup in the ear can block hearing, leading to tinnitus
Certain medications can interact with the inner ear, resulting in tinnitus.
Changes in blood pressure can result in damage to the inner ear, reducing hearing and increasing tinnitus.
Altered or increased blood flow in or around the ear can be heard
Several very rare medical conditions can cause tinnitus as a side effect.
Head injuries can result in tinnitus.
Tinnitus often starts as a result of hearing loss. One popular theory is that the lack of hearing sensitivity causes the nerves in the pathway to become more sensitive to try and compensate for the change in hearing. The overactivity in the nerves can be perceived as a sound by the auditory cortex. This theory is called the central compensation model of tinnitus.
Hyperacusis or sound sensitivity problems can also accompany tinnitus. This makes sense, because if the nerve is already more sensitive, sounds that are loud enough to be heard may sound louder than normal.