What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a distracting sound only you experience. It has been described as ringing, buzzing, clicking, or hissing, among other sounds. It may be constant or it might come and go. It’s important to remember that tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease. But that doesn’t make it any less exasperating. 

Tinnitus causes

There are a variety of tinnitus causes.

  • Aging: Some tinnitus is associated with age-related hearing loss. As you age, the amount of nerve fibers in your ears decrease, possibly causing hearing problems often associated with tinnitus.
  • Loud noise: Another of the most common tinnitus causes is loud noise. If you’ve been exposed to loud music, gunshots or explosions, or loud noise from construction or gardening machines, you may find yourself suffering from tinnitus.
  • Earwax: Sometimes earwax blockage can also cause tinnitus.
  • Medications: Some medications also appear to be tinnitus causes, with tinnitus as a side effect.
  • Other: Upper respiratory infections or jap popping joint (TMJ) disorders can also cause tinnitus. 

Tinnitus symptoms

Tinnitus can arrive without warning and disappear again, or it can be more chronic. 

In addition to the persistent noise you hear, you may also suffer stress, sleep problems, anxiety or depression – all of which can make your tinnitus worse, a sort of vicious circle.

That’s why it’s important to talk to a hearing care professional so you can manage your tinnitus. 

How to keep tinnitus from getting worse

When tinnitus is unexpected and unwelcomed, it can lead to a negative reaction to the tinnitus. This can create a vicious cycle. When tinnitus is perceived, it can prompt emotions, including frustration, fear, unhappiness, etc.  These can, in turn, cause physical reactions such as anxiety and stress.  This reinforces the tinnitus and perpetuates the cycle. 

How to break the cycle: 

1. Initial appereance of tinnitus
2. Increased awareness of tinnitus
3. Negative reaction
4. Increased attention to tinnitus
5. Chronic tinnitus
6. Tinnitus management

Manage your tinnitus

Since stress and anxiety can make tinnitus worse, it’s important to manage these conditions in order not to aggravate your tinnitus. Getting enough sleep, quitting smoking and plenty of exercise are good for your overall health and good for fighting tinnitus. 

Sound therapy with specialized background noise can also help.

Enjoy relief from tinnitus

The ReSound Relief app provides engaging activities and comprehensive tips for understanding and managing your tinnitus.