Tinnitus: Possible Causes

Contemporary research strongly supports the use of hearing aids as an effective intervention for tinnitus management. Clinical studies have demonstrated encouraging results, with more than 50% of users

Tinnitus, often referred to as "ear ringing", affects approximately 15% of the population, although this number is likely underestimated.

Certain groups of people, particularly those over a certain age and individuals in specific professions, are more susceptible to tinnitus. This includes musicians, construction workers, and military veterans.

Typically, tinnitus begins as a ringing or buzzing sound, but it can also manifest as hissing or a noise resembling crickets. The troubling aspect is that only you can hear it, while those around you remain oblivious to the noise. This phenomenon occurs because tinnitus is not an external sound; rather, it originates in the brain, which is why it is often called a "phantom sound."

Our brains are designed to process a specific range of sounds from our environment daily. When the hair cells in our ears are damaged or die, they do not regenerate, creating a gap in our auditory perception. As our hearing diminishes—whether due to aging or trauma—the brain adapts by amplifying its activity in an attempt to compensate for the lost information, resulting in that persistent ringing sound. This is similar to the temporary ringing you might experience after attending a loud concert, which usually fades within a few hours. For some, however, this sound lingers, leading to significant distress.

Tinnitus is often linked to other conditions, including insomnia, depression, and an increased risk of suicide. Since hearing loss frequently results from prolonged exposure to loud noises, it may be wise to lower the volume on your devices and reduce attendance at loud events.

In some cases, a simple ear infection or, in more severe situations, a tumor may also be responsible for the annoying sounds. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a specialist, ideally an audiologist, as soon as you notice these symptoms. They will assess your hearing ability as a first step to rule out any serious underlying issues.

Moreover, certain medications, particularly some used in chemotherapy, can contribute to tinnitus as well.

While there is currently no universally recognized cure for tinnitus, there are various ways to reduce its intensity and alleviate the stress it causes. The primary goal should be to enhance the patient’s quality of life through technological aids, such as apps or sound machines, as well as simple stress reduction techniques, rather than seeking miraculous treatments that may prove to be scams.