What are the symptoms of tinnitus?
Tinnitus symptoms vary with each person who has it. But universally, it’s the sensation of a prolonged noise that you “hear” in your ear. Most describe the noise as “ringing in the ears,” though others describe it as hissing, buzzing, whistling, roaring or chirping.
For some, tinnitus is infrequent or temporary and “not that bad” — noticeable mostly when their surroundings are still and quiet. For others, the noise is severe and constant — seemingly impossible to ignore profoundly affecting their quality of life.
The symptoms of tinnitus can vary in intensity and duration, and they may include:
- Ringing: Tinnitus is often described as a ringing in the ears, but it can also sound like buzzing, hissing, whistling, clicking, or humming.
- Constant or intermittent noise: Tinnitus sounds can be constant or come and go at different times.
- High-pitched or low-pitched: The perceived sound may be high-pitched, low-pitched, or have various tones.
- Varying loudness: The volume of tinnitus can vary from person to person and even within the same individual over time.
- Unilateral or bilateral: Tinnitus can affect one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral).
- Associated hearing loss: Many people with tinnitus also experience some degree of hearing loss.
- Stress and anxiety: Tinnitus can cause stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, which can, in turn, worsen the condition.
- Impact on concentration: Tinnitus may make it difficult to focus on tasks or conversations, especially in quiet environments.
- Ear fullness or pressure: Some individuals with tinnitus may also experience a sensation of fullness or pressure in the affected ear.
What causes Tinnitus?
- Exposure to loud noises: Prolonged exposure to loud sounds, such as concerts, gunfire, or heavy machinery, can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to tinnitus.
- Age-related hearing loss: As people age, the hair cells in the inner ear can naturally deteriorate, leading to hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Earwax blockage: A build-up of earwax can obstruct the ear canal and cause tinnitus symptoms.
- Medical conditions: Various medical conditions can contribute to tinnitus, including Meniere’s disease, otosclerosis, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis.
- Medications: Certain medications, especially high doses of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and some antibiotics and diuretics, can cause or worsen tinnitus as a side effect.
- Head and neck injuries: Trauma to the head or neck can impact the auditory system and result in tinnitus.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Issues with the jaw joint can affect the structures near the ear and lead to tinnitus.
- Acoustic neuroma: This is a benign tumour that affects the nerve responsible for hearing, potentially causing tinnitus.
- Vascular problems: Blood flow issues, such as turbulent blood flow near the ear, can lead to pulsatile tinnitus, where the perceived sounds are synchronized with the person’s heartbeat.
- Stress and anxiety: High levels of stress and anxiety can exacerbate tinnitus or make it more noticeable.