Causes of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is an annoying condition characterized by a persistent noise in one or both ears. The causes for tinnitus can be quite difficult to find out and treating it can also be very difficult. However it is a condition that can be managed and eliminated entirely in the majority of cases.

Causes for tinnitus may differ from one individual to another. Mostly this condition affects people over the age of 60 and is accompanied by mild hearing loss. The nerves in the ear do not function well at this age and hence delivers false signals which manifest as a whooshing sound or a high pitched noise.

Overexposure to loud noise and music can also lead to tinnitus. Hearing loss may be experienced by people who use loud equipment or work in noisy factory environments which in turn can lead to tinnitus. Young people can suffer from hearing loss and tinnitus when they listen to loud music on an iPod or car radio for a long period of time. Even build up of ear wax which may have got hardened in the ear canal can lead to this problem. This can cause ear noise as well as hearing problems. Abnormal bone growth or a genetic condition can also lead to this condition in one or both ears.
Tinnitus can be caused by a host of other disorders as well. Inner ear disorder or Meniere’s disease can cause a great amount of pressure to build up in the ear.

Tinnitus and balance problems are associated with this disease. Head or neck injuries can also result in ear noise by causing ear damage. Even the development of a benign tumor on the cranial nerve can cause tinnitus.

Stress, improper diet and depression can also cause this problem in some people. Atherosclerosis and high BP can also worsen or cause tinnitus. Intake of several medications can also lead to this condition. The drugs may include cancer medicines, antibiotics, such as erythromycin and tetracycline, aspiring and quinine medications. It is better to see the doctor if you are experiencing annoying or persistent tinnitus. After any serious problem is ruled out you can take up a holistic approach to treatment which can be the best way to deal with this problem.