A Ringing in the Ear: Causes of Tinnitus

Have you ever experienced hearing sounds but when you look around, there is nothing that is accountable for the noise you are hearing? This does not concern the realm of ghosts and metaphysical things nor do not mistake yourself for a psycho hearing things. Before jumping into conclusions, better confirm things with your doctor because you probably have tinnitus.

Tinnitus is a Latin word which means “ringing” and it is the perception of sound which may be heard as ringing noise, high-pitched whining, hissing, electric buzzing or ticking of clock but these corresponding sounds do not actually exist in the physical environment. Tinnitus is not a malady rather it is a symptom to more severe hearing problems.

The causes of tinnitus are varied. It can stem from inner ear cell damage. Although the hairs in the inner ear are tiny and delicate, do not underestimate their crucial function. Once these hairs are bent or broken, random electrical impulses may be relayed to the brain which can cause tinnitus.

As people age, they tend to experience hearing loss and this can be a cause of tinnitus as well. Exposure to loud noises which can come from heavy equipment to portable music devices can lead to tinnitus. Short-term exposure to these may result a tinnitus that usually goes away but long-term exposure may lead to a permanent damage. Stress and depression sometimes lead to or worsen tinnitus.

Other causes of tinnitus include earwax blockage, ear bone changes and blood vessel disorders. Other medications can trigger or even worsen tinnitus. Usually, the higher the dose of a medicine, the worse tinnitus turns out. These medications may be antibiotics, cancer medications, diuretics or water pills, quinine medications, chloroquine and aspirin if taken in unusually high doses, around twelve or more a day.