As we go through our daily activities, our senses work together to ensure we navigate the world around us. One of our senses, hearing, allows us to communicate, receive warnings, and enjoy music.
However, sometimes, we can hear sounds that are not externally present. These sounds, commonly known as ear tinnitus, can cause discomfort, anxiety, and frustration.
Ear tinnitus is an auditory perception that ranges from ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whooshing, heard in one ear or both. In some cases, tinnitus sound can be very loud and interfere with daily activities.
Research shows that around 10-15% of adults globally experience tinnitus, and the number of people suffering from this condition is expected to increase.
Types of Ear Tinnitus
There are several types of ear tinnitus, but we can group them into two types:.
Objective Tinnitus
Objective tinnitus occurs when there’s an actual sound in your ear that’s internally generated, and other people can hear it too. Common causes of objective tinnitus include:.
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
- Muscle Spasms
- Vascular Malformations
- Otosclerosis
- TMJ Dysfunction
- Pulsatile Tinnitus
Subjective Tinnitus
Subjective tinnitus, also known as non-auditory tinnitus, occurs when there’s no real sound present in the ear canal, but the person hears tinnitus. Common causes of subjective tinnitus include:.
- Exposure to loud sounds
- Hearing Loss
- Modern Lifestyle
- Stress
- Anxiety and Depression
- Certain Medications
Common Causes of Ear Tinnitus
Exposure to Loud Noises
Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common cause of tinnitus, which results from exposure to loud sounds.
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), exposure to sound levels of 85 decibels (dB) or higher, which is equivalent to heavy traffic, can cause tinnitus. The inner ear’s hair cells become damaged, leading to hearing loss and tinnitus.
Hearing Loss
Damage to the auditory pathway, which is responsible for carrying sound to the brain, can cause tinnitus. This damage can result from ageing, genetics, exposure to loud sounds, or trauma to the ear.
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According to the American Tinnitus Association, 80% of those with tinnitus also experience hearing loss. Hearing aids or cochlear implants may help manage tinnitus for those with hearing loss.
Modern Lifestyle
Modern-day lifestyles can exacerbate tinnitus and make it difficult to cope. For instance, modern tech devices like earbuds, headphones, or loud speakers can contribute to tinnitus.
Also, people who consume a lot of caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, or who experience stress in their daily lives, can develop tinnitus.
Stress
Tinnitus can be triggered by stress or worsened by it. When you’re under stress, your body releases cortisol hormones, which can cause damage to your hair cells leading to tinnitus.
Besides, when you’re stressed, you may clench your teeth or grind them, which can cause tinnitus.
Certain Medications
Some medications can cause or worsen tinnitus, and they include aspirin, diuretics, antibiotics, anti-depressants, and cancer drugs. Before you take any medication, consult your doctor about the risk of tinnitus associated with the drug.
Diagnosing Ear Tinnitus
If you think you may have tinnitus, visit an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor, also known as an otolaryngologist. The doctor will examine your ear and conduct some hearing tests to confirm if you have tinnitus. The following tests may be necessary:.
- Hearing Tests
- Tympanometry
- Audiogram
- CT or MRI scan
Treatment for Ear Tinnitus
Currently, there’s no cure for tinnitus, but some treatments can help manage the symptoms. Some of the treatments your doctor may recommend include:.
- Hearing Aids
- Cochlear Implants
- Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Sound Masking Devices
- Relaxation Techniques
Conclusion
Ear tinnitus can result from several factors. Identifying the causes of tinnitus can help alleviate the symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Ensure that you seek medical attention if you suspect that you have tinnitus.
With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, you can effectively manage tinnitus and lead a normal life.
