Tinnitus is a sensation of sound within the ears or head which will be not from an external source. There are many different types of tinnitus sounds. The sounds can be like clicking, buzzing, hissing, chirping, roaring, whistling, or other sounds. The pitch is often high or low and therefore the level can vary over time. Although the tinnitus doesn't directly cause deafness, it can surely hinder the concentrating and listening abilities of the patients. If the condition is left unattended for a prolonged period, it can also lead to psychological problems.
Causes of Tinnitus:
Anything that affects the auditory system and sound transmission through the ear or nerves can cause tinnitus, such as:
- Migraine headaches
- Extreme stress and fatigue
- Otosclerosis-a condition where the tiny bones within the internal ear become immobile
- Damage to the jaws causing the mandibular joint disorder
- A tumor affecting VIII cranial nerve
- Head or neck injury
- Sudden exposure to loud sound
- Continuous exposure to loud sounds
- Old age
- Blockage in the ears caused by wax
- Sinus infection
- Ear infection
- Hearing loss
- Side effects from drugs (prescribed or over-the-counter)
- Wax blocking the auditory meatus completely or touching the eardrum (eardrum)
- Ear infections
- Diseases of the ear, such as Meniere’s disease
- Brain tumors
