Tinnitus is a widespread condition that affects an estimated 50 million Americans. Some people describe it as a ringing, hissing, roaring, whooshing or buzzing sound, but it has a different sound quality for everyone. It may be spontaneous, occasional, intermittent or constant and is a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a disease itself. There are many factors that can cause tinnitus.
What Are the Causes of Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is categorized as being either objective or subjective.
Objective tinnitus is the perception of an acoustic sound in your head, which could theoretically be recorded and heard by someone else. A common type of objective tinnitus is pulsatile tinnitus. People who suffer from pulsatile tinnitus report hearing the sound of their own pulse. It is caused by abnormal blood flow within the arteries of the neck or inside the ear. Possible causes include:
- Fluid in the middle ear
- Ear infections
- High blood pressure
- Head and neck tumors
- Blocked arteries
Subjective tinnitus is a sound that has no acoustic source and can only be perceived by the person experiencing it; it is considerably more common. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
- Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss)
- Noise exposure
- Impacted earwax
- Otosclerosis (stiffening of the bones in the middle ear)
- Meniere’s disease
- TMJ disorders
- Ototoxic medications
- Thyroid conditions
- Head or neck trauma
- Acoustic neuromas
Spontaneous tinnitus occurs randomly in one or both ears and lasts for less than a minute. It is sometimes accompanied by a temporary perceived decrease in hearing. Spontaneous tinnitus is considered a normal fluctuation of a healthy auditory system and does not require treatment.
How Is Tinnitus Treated?
Tinnitus can’t be cured, but there are treatments to reduce the impact it has on your life. The approach taken depends on the underlying condition responsible for the ringing in your ears. Sometimes, simple steps like removing built-up earwax or switching to a new medication can markedly decrease symptoms.
Others benefit from sound therapy or masking techniques designed to stimulate the auditory system and distract from the tinnitus. White noise machines, fans, air conditioners and humidifiers are all popular, easy-to-use options.
In general, tinnitus becomes less bothersome with time and will sometimes go away on its own.
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