What Is Tinnitus? Causes and Treatment
Published on 02/22/2025 · 4 min readTinnitus is a perception of noise or ringing in the ears or head when there is no external source of sound.
Causes:
Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Hearing loss: This is the most common cause, especially age-related hearing loss.
- Ear infections: Tinnitus can be a symptom of ear infections, such as otitis media.
- Noise exposure: Prolonged exposure to loud noises can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to tinnitus.
- Meniere's disease: This inner ear disorder can cause tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing loss.
- Blood vessel problems: Tinnitus can be caused by blood flow problems in the inner ear.
- Medications: Some medications, such as aspirin and certain antibiotics, can cause tinnitus as a side effect.
Symptoms:
Tinnitus can vary in severity and duration. Common symptoms include:
- Ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking sounds
- Sounds that may be constant or intermittent
- Sounds that are perceived in one or both ears
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
Diagnosis:
To diagnose tinnitus, a doctor will typically perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history. They may also order hearing tests and imaging studies to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Treatment:
There is no cure for tinnitus, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms:
- Sound therapy: This involves using white noise or other sounds to mask the tinnitus.
- Hearing aids: Hearing aids can amplify external sounds, which can help reduce the perception of tinnitus.
- Medications: Some medications, such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants, can help reduce the severity of tinnitus.
- Lifestyle changes: Avoiding loud noises, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can help improve tinnitus symptoms.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: This type of therapy can help you cope with the psychological effects of tinnitus.
Shop related blood tests
Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential and Platelets Blood Test
Helps detect infections, anemia, or other blood disorders that might contribute to tinnitus.
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