What’s the Main Cause of Tinnitus?

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Have you ever watched an intense movie, and right as the tension builds you notice a dull buzzing in the background that adds suspense to the scene? Or maybe you’ve been trying to pay attention to a lecture, but you’re next to the AC unit and the dull roar of the machine breaks your concentration? What about trying to fall asleep as your upstairs neighbor is blasting the TV volume so the dull hum of the latest sitcom prevents you from peaceful rest?

Needless to say, constant humming or background noise can be annoying, distracting, and a nuisance to live with. For individuals who suffer from tinnitus, the humming, buzzing, ringing, and hissing is all too present. Tinnitus is a symptom of underlying conditions within your ear that cause you to hear phantom noises that are not caused by external sources. While this isn’t necessarily a serious medical issue, it can still be incredibly annoying and you may want to visit an audiologist to find a treatment plan to dull your symptoms. If you’re sick of being told to simply deal with the annoying ringing in your ears, it may be time to search for “tinnitus doctor near me” to get you the help you need. A specialist will address your hearing loss, sound sensitivity and tinnitus to find long term solutions and get you back to living a full life. It can also be beneficial to investigate the root issue that is causing your tinnitus in the first place.

There are many different causes of tinnitus, some more common than others. It’s a common issue that affects 15-20% of individuals, and there are many different reasons for this specific hearing disorder. Read along to discover some of the main causes of tinnitus and what you can do to prevent it or help ease your symptoms.

Common Causes of Tinnitus

Because tinnitus is a result of other medical conditions, there are multiple reasons a person may experience a buzzing or humming in their ear. Perhaps the most common reason is hearing loss as a result of aging. As you age, certain parts of the body experience wear and tear, and the inner ear is no exception. Deterioration of the hairs in your ear can cause ringing or humming to sound more pronounced than before.

Beyond simple wear and tear, you may also experience trauma from exposure to loud noises. This usually affects individuals who work around loud machinery or firearms. You also may want to rethink your habits if you are someone who blasts music through your earbuds or headphones. This can cause permanent damage down the line.

Accidents Causing Tinnitus

While it is a bit rarer, sometimes accidents can lead to tinnitus. Experiencing a traumatic head injury in a car accident can lead to that unwelcome buzz in your ear. While this may not be a serious injury, it is still a nuisance that requires medical attention. You may be entitled to compensation for the accident. If your accident occurred in California or you’re a California resident, a personal injury attorney in Orange County can help you receive the money to cover your medical expenses from the negligent party. As an injury victim, you want to focus on feeling better and overcoming your tinnitus. Let the experts with years of experience take on your claim and get you the compensation you deserve.

Other Causes

There are several less common diseases or incidents that cause tinnitus. Some that have to do directly with the ears—ear infections, ear wax build-up, Ménière’s Disease, Glue ear, or a perforated eardrum—may heal on their own or require a few simple treatments to clear up. Other causes involve the whole body. For example, high blood pressure can affect the blood vessels in your ear and cause tinnitus. Also, stress can be detrimental and can negatively affect your ear health as well.