Tinnitus causes ringing, or the perception of ringing, in the ears and is often related to hearing loss. That said, its causes are very varied: from exposure to loud noises to certain neurological or somatic pathologies. In this article, we examine in detail the different causes of tinnitus so that you can better understand what may be causing yours.
The most frequent causes of tinnitus
Tinnitus can have a very large number of origins; we have listed the most common ones below.
Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)
Aging and tinnitus are intimately linked. Age often leads to hearing loss, which in turn can cause tinnitus. Age-related hearing loss, called presbycusis in medical language, is an otological cause of tinnitus (i.e. related to the ear). It is one of the most frequent causes of hearing loss and tinnitus, if not the most frequent. It often results in a loss of hearing in high-pitched sounds.
Noise exposure
Like aging, exposure to loud noises (especially over a long period) can cause hearing loss and tinnitus. After short-term exposure, patients often experience only transient tinnitus. After prolonged exposure, auditory damage, hearing loss, and tinnitus can become permanent.
Genetics
Family history and genetics can certainly be at the root of tinnitus; various otological, neurological, or infectious causes can indeed trigger it. Genetic conditions such as Ménière's disease or Lyme disease can cause tinnitus, and even disorders such as temporomandibular joint dysfunction (which may have a genetic component) can lead to its onset.
Earwax accumulation (earwax plug)
Earwax accumulation (earwax plug in medical language) is a common otological cause of tinnitus. Earwax serves to protect your ear canal from external agents such as dust, pollen, and other harmful substances. Excess earwax can cause damage, or even obstruct the ear canal, which in turn can cause tinnitus. It is a relatively common cause of tinnitus, but fortunately easy to treat.
Ménière's disease
Ménière's disease is an otological condition of the inner ear, often linked to ear fluid pressure, which causes vertigo. It usually affects only one ear initially, but can eventually affect both. To make a diagnosis, one must have had at least two episodes of vertigo, have confirmed hearing loss, and suffer from tinnitus. The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, is linked to balance: it helps detect movements based on the orientation of the ear. This is why Ménière's disease causes vertigo: increased pressure in the inner ear disrupts the vestibular system. Treatment generally involves medication and what is called vestibular rehabilitation, which ENT doctors or audiologists can explain.
Head or neck trauma
Acute head or neck trauma, such as a shock or whiplash, can be a neurological cause of tinnitus. In other words, it can affect areas essential for hearing such as the inner ear, nerves, or brain. Head and neck trauma often causes tinnitus in only one ear. It is recommended to consult a professional immediately in case of tinnitus after head or neck trauma.
These are just some of the most frequent causes of tinnitus; there are many others that are not included in this list. Below, we offer a more detailed overview of the main causes, with additional information on each.
Otological causes of tinnitus
Some of the most frequent causes of tinnitus are of otological origin. Among them:
Noise exposure
Otitis
Earwax accumulation (earwax plug)
Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)
Otosclerosis
Ménière's disease
These are the most common otological causes of tinnitus, but many others are not listed here.
Neurological causes of tinnitus
Tinnitus is frequently caused by neurological lesions, problems, or disorders, including:
Brain tumors
Acute head trauma or whiplash
Vestibular schwannoma
Multiple sclerosis
Other neurological disorders not mentioned above can also cause tinnitus.
Infectious causes of tinnitus
Tinnitus can also be caused by infectious diseases or problems, such as:
Lyme disease
Meningitis
Syphilis
Otitis media
Tinnitus can also result from other infectious diseases causing ear inflammation.
In summary
This article presents only some of the most frequent causes of tinnitus, but there are dozens of others. The type of tinnitus you experience can vary depending on the actual cause. If you think you have tinnitus, we recommend consulting a professional to get a diagnosis and better understand your situation. Although sometimes unpleasant, tinnitus often disappears on its own or can be managed by an ENT doctor or an audiologist.
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