Why do I have tinnitus?
One thing that everyone who suffers from tinnitus always asks is: Why? And what are the causes of tinnitus?
There is much uncertainty about what really causes tinnitus and that can be really frustrating if you are a T sufferer.
Keep reading and find out about the 7 causes of the ringing in your ears once and for all.
In a large part of the cases of tinnitus, the ringing appears overnight, without warning and without any auditory problems involved.
So, one goes to the bed as happy as Larry and the next morning you wake up with a buzzing in your ears that in most cases will never go away. Harsh…
(Note: go to this article to read about “What is tinnitus, its causes and treatments“)
But, why? You keep repeating to yourself. What happened? Could I have avoided it? Why me and why now?
But the answer to this question seldom quenches the thirst for knowledge of the patient, since the causes of tinnitus are diverse and can come from both physical and neurological factors.
Are you one of the lucky ones? Here is a ranking of the 7 causes of tinnitus, listed by The International Tinnitus Journal.
1. Hearing disorders
It is believed that more than 90% of tinnitus cases are caused by ear disorders, such as earwax plugs, otitis media, acoustic trauma, changes in atmospheric pressure or direct blows to the ear.
It is also common to find tinnitus associated with presbycusis, which is the gradual loss of hearing that occurs as we get older.
2. Cardiovascular problems
Cardiovascular problems are the second most common cause of tinnitus. Approximately 30% of patients with acute tinnitus suffer from one or more cardiovascular disorders.
75% of these patients suffer from hypertension and their tinnitus usually improves when their hypertension is treated.
3. Neurological disorders or head injuries
Neurological disorders or traumas, including skull fractures or any type of blunt trauma injuries to the head, result in tinnitus in 5% to 10% of cases.
In addition, if there is a rupture of the ear bones, this can also lead to conductive hearing loss.
In the event of a traffic accident, tinnitus is caused by intense shaking of the head, usually days or weeks after the accident has occurred.
4. Side effects of medications
More than 10% of cases of tinnitus, especially in patients of advanced age, are caused by the side effect of drugs, ranking aspirin as the number one cause.
It can also be caused by other drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.), antibiotics (especially aminoglycosides), antidepressants and tranquilizers.
5. Dental diseases
Dental diseases or any disorder of the jaw joint can trigger tinnitus.
In these cases patients feel a pressure in the ear and some sensitivity in the temperomandibular and mandibular joints.
6. Metabolism disorders
Sometimes metabolic disorders can also result in tinnitus. It is the case of hypothyroidism, that can cause an annoying and problematic tinnitus in 4% of cases.
It has also been observed that a deficiency in vitamin A can cause tinnitus, although this is not common.
7. Psychological causes
Psychological factors can cause tinnitus or aggravate it, if it already existed. It has been shown that stress can be the cause of tinnitus and exacerbate its manifestations.
If you are starting to experience ringing or buzzing in your ears on a regular basis, visit a specialist, who can carry out the relevant tests to determine if you suffer from this condition and establish the corresponding action plan.
References
Leave a Reply