Tinnitus is a condition that occurs when you experience persistent sounds that are not caused by an external source. In other words, you “hear” a sound that is not a product of the world around you, and that no one else can hear. The symptoms - or various sounds - of tinnitus include:
- Ringing
- Buzzing
- Clicking
- Roaring
- Hissing
- Humming
These sounds may vary from very soft to quite loud, depending on the severity of the condition. Symptoms of tinnitus may or may not be accompanied by hearing loss, and may occur in one or both ears. Common causes of tinnitus include:
- Hearing loss: Age-related hearing loss affects the auditory nerve in your ear that carries electrical signals to the brain, which are interpreted as sounds. Changes, or damage, to the inner ear can cause the auditory nerve to send confused electrical signals to the brain, resulting in tinnitus. Frequent exposure to loud sounds can also trigger hearing loss and associated tinnitus.
- Head injury: Head trauma can affect the inner ear, which may interfere with the auditory nerve. Like hearing loss, this can result in symptoms of tinnitus.
- Ear infection: Ear infections may cause swelling or inflammation in the inner ear, which can cause tinnitus. After the infection has been treated, these effects usually go away.
- Ear canal blockage: Wax or fluid buildup in the ear canal alters pressure in the inner ear, resulting in tinnitus.
- Medication: Antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and other prescription medication can cause tinnitus. Symptoms will usually go away after you stop taking these medications.
Tinnitus is very common. Nearly 50 million Americans, or 15-20% of the population, experience some form of tinnitus. It is especially prevalent in older adults. If tinnitus is interfering with your daily life, or if you are experiencing tinnitus after recovering from an illness, talk to your doctor.