What Causes Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a constant buzzing or ringing in the ears.

It can be caused by damage to your cilia (fine hairs in your inner ear). They move as vibrations caused by sound waves that pass over them. That movement sends signals to your brain, which interprets them as sound².

Cilia can send signals even when the world around you is quiet. They can be damaged by continued exposure to extremely loud noises, such as music or heavy machinery.

Other causes can include ear infections, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, Ménière’s disease, neck problems, perforated eardrums and reactions to certain medications.

Living with Tinnitus

The good news is that, while there is no cure for tinnitus, you can reduce the ongoing noise.

Hearing aids can help by boosting external sounds to help mask the symptoms. A 2007 survey of hearing health professionals³ found that nearly two-thirds of tinnitus patients using hearing aids experienced relief, and close to one-quarter experienced ‘significant’ relief.

Other treatments include improving overall health and wellbeing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques and sound therapy.

Get Involved in Tinnitus Awareness Week

Tinnitus Awareness Week is the first week of February⁴ (Monday 5th – Sunday 11th 2024).

To participate, you can watch webcasts and webinars, host awareness events or donate to organisations such as Tinnitus Australia¹.

But most importantly, if you’re suffering from symptoms, consult your GP or book an appointment at Connect Hearing for advice and next steps. You might be surprised at how much can be done.

References:

  1. Tinnitus Australia | Tinnitus Awareness (tinnitusaustralia.org.au)

  2. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders | How do we hear? (nidcd.nih.gov)

  3. The Hearing Review | Tinnitus Treatment and the Effectiveness of Hearing Aids: Hearing Care Professional Perceptions (hearingreview.com)

  4. Deafness Forum Australia | February: Tinnitus Awareness Week (deafnessforum.org.au)

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. You should not use the information as a substitute for, nor should it replace, professional medical advice. If you have any questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.