Tinnitus is the name for a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that doesn’t come from any outside source.
Millions of people around the world experience it. Some hear ringing, others hear hissing, buzzing, or even whistling.
These sounds might happen all the time, or they might come and go. Tinnitus is especially common in older adults, but it can affect anyone. So what causes it?
One of the main reasons is exposure to loud sounds. If you work in noisy places—like construction sites, factories, or music venues—or often attend loud concerts without ear protection, your ears can get damaged.
Inside your ear are tiny hair cells that help you hear by sending sound signals to your brain. When these cells are damaged by loud noise, they can start sending incorrect signals. This can confuse the brain, which may think there’s a sound when there isn’t. That’s how tinnitus starts.
Wearing earplugs or staying away from loud environments can help prevent this kind of damage and reduce your risk of developing tinnitus.
Another common cause is aging. As we get older, parts of our ears naturally wear down, especially the cochlea in the inner ear. When the hair cells in the cochlea become weaker with age, they don’t work as well.
This can also lead to the brain receiving false signals, resulting in tinnitus. This is why older people are more likely to hear ringing or buzzing in their ears.
Certain health conditions can also cause tinnitus. High blood pressure, blocked arteries, or poor blood flow can affect how well your ears function. Since the ear needs a steady blood supply to work properly, any changes to circulation can cause hearing issues, including tinnitus.
Other health problems like diabetes, thyroid disease, or neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis can increase the chances of developing tinnitus.
However, if these conditions are well managed, tinnitus symptoms may be reduced. For example, people with diabetes who keep their blood sugar levels stable may notice fewer or milder tinnitus symptoms.
Some medications can also cause tinnitus. These include large doses of aspirin, some antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antidepressants. The longer or more often these medicines are used, the more likely they are to cause ringing in the ears.
If you notice tinnitus after starting a new medication, it’s important to speak with your doctor. They may be able to recommend a different treatment.
Tinnitus can also be caused by something as simple as earwax. If too much wax builds up and blocks your ear canal, it can press on the eardrum and cause irritation. This might lead to tinnitus. Keeping your ears clean and removing excess wax can help prevent this.
Stress and anxiety don’t directly cause tinnitus, but they can make it feel worse. If you’re already hearing a ringing sound in your ears, being stressed can make it seem louder or more annoying. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or talking to a counselor can help you feel better and reduce how much tinnitus bothers you.
In some cases, doctors can’t find a specific cause of tinnitus. But researchers are learning more about how the brain processes sound, which may lead to better treatments in the future.
Tinnitus can be frustrating, but knowing what causes it gives you the power to take action. Protect your ears from loud noises, manage your health conditions, be careful with medication, clean your ears properly, and take care of your mental health. These steps can all help reduce the impact of tinnitus on your life.
Even though tinnitus has many possible causes, there are also many ways to manage it. With the right information and support, it’s possible to improve your quality of life—even with that ringing in your ears.
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