© Shutterstock

What is tinnitus? -

Tinnitus is the perception of sound, often described as ringing, buzzing, or hissing, in the ears or head without an external source.

© Shutterstock

Prevalence -

It affects about 15-20% of the global population, with varying degrees of severity.

© Shutterstock

Common causes -

Tinnitus is often caused by exposure to loud noises, ear infections, earwax buildup, or age-related hearing loss.

© Shutterstock

Types of tinnitus -

Tinnitus can be classified into two types: subjective tinnitus (heard only by the person) and objective tinnitus (heard by both the person and a doctor).

© Shutterstock

Symptoms -

The primary symptom is the perception of sound, but it may also be accompanied by hearing loss or a feeling of fullness in the ear.

© Shutterstock

Loud noises -

Exposure to loud noises, such as concerts, machinery, or headphones, is a leading cause of tinnitus.

© Shutterstock

Age-related hearing loss -

As people age, their hearing deteriorates, which can lead to the development of tinnitus.

© Shutterstock

Medications -

Certain medications, like aspirin, diuretics, or antidepressants, can trigger or worsen tinnitus as a side effect.

© Shutterstock

Head and neck injuries -

Trauma to the head or neck can affect the auditory system, potentially leading to tinnitus.

© Shutterstock

Stress -

Mental and emotional stress can exacerbate the perception of tinnitus or even trigger it.

© Shutterstock

Ear infections -

Infections in the middle or inner ear can cause temporary or permanent tinnitus.

© Shutterstock

Eustachian tube dysfunction -

Issues with the Eustachian tube, which regulates pressure in the ear, can lead to tinnitus.

© Shutterstock

Earwax buildup -

Excessive earwax can block the ear canal, causing a temporary ringing sound.

© Shutterstock

Meniere's disease -

Meniere's disease is an inner ear condition that leads to tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing loss, often causing episodes of dizziness and imbalance.

© Shutterstock

TMJ disorders -

Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can contribute to tinnitus due to its proximity to the ear.

© Shutterstock

Hyperacusis -

Hyperacusis is heightened sensitivity to sound, often accompanying tinnitus, making everyday noises unbearably loud and causing discomfort in normal auditory processing.

© Shutterstock

Caffeine and alcohol -

Some people find that consuming caffeine or alcohol can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms, making the ringing or buzzing in the ears more noticeable or intense.

© Shutterstock

Dietary factors -

Some individuals may find that consuming certain foods, particularly salty or fatty options, can worsen their tinnitus symptoms. 

© Shutterstock

Pulsatile tinnitus -

This is a type of tinnitus where the sound pulses in rhythm with the person's heartbeat. It may indicate blood vessel issues.

© Shutterstock

Non-pulsatile tinnitus -

This is the most common form of tinnitus, where the sound is constant and doesn't match the heartbeat.

© Shutterstock

No cure -

There's no definitive cure for tinnitus, but various treatments focus on managing symptoms and helping individuals reduce discomfort.

© Shutterstock

Sound therapy -

Using background noise or white noise can help mask the ringing associated with tinnitus, making it less noticeable and providing a calming effect.

© Shutterstock

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) - CBT helps patients manage the emotional and psychological impact of tinnitus by addressing negative thought patterns, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving their overall ability to cope.

© Shutterstock

Hearing aids -

For those with hearing loss, hearing aids can improve sound clarity and help alleviate tinnitus symptoms.

© Shutterstock

Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) -

TRT is a therapeutic approach combining sound therapy and counseling, designed to help the brain reclassify and ultimately ignore the tinnitus sound over time.

© Shutterstock

Acupuncture -

Some individuals find relief from tinnitus through acupuncture, an alternative therapy that involves stimulating specific points in the body to promote relaxation. 

© Shutterstock

Gingko biloba -

Gingko biloba is a herbal remedy occasionally used to manage tinnitus symptoms, though clinical research provides limited evidence supporting its effectiveness.

© Getty Images

Self-care techniques -

Practicing relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help to manage tinnitus symptoms more effectively over time.

© Shutterstock

Consulting a specialist -

If tinnitus is persistent or bothersome, it's important to consult an audiologist or tinnitus specialist for evaluation and management.

Sources: (Mayo Clinic) (Better Health Channel) (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders)

See also: Things that are damaging your hearing

© Shutterstock