Stressed woman, covering face with hands

WHAT COULD BE THE CAUSE OF MY TINNITUS?

The first thing that we need to remember is that tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease or illness in its own right.

This means that there are many different conditions that could cause tinnitus. But if the original condition is well-managed, the tinnitus may also be positively affected.

Several of the causes of tinnitus are also associated with hearing loss, so we always recommend consulting a hearing care professional (HCP) about your tinnitus as the first step. If you need to see a different medical professional, your HCP will support you in the referral process.

EXAMPLES OF CONDITIONS THAT CAN CAUSE TINNITUS:

  • Problems with the outer and middle ear, e.g. middle ear infection (otitis media), build-up of ear wax, trauma to the head or ear, allergies
  • Issues with the inner ear, e.g. hearing loss (related to age, acoustic trauma, illnesses etc.), noise exposure, the effect of certain medications on the inner ear, trauma to the head or ear, meningitis
  • Conditions not related to the ear, e.g. hypertension, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, thyroid disorders, poor circulation, certain medications, excess caffeine, alcohol and/or sodium in your diet
  • Reasons related to physical structures/movement, e.g. temporomandibular (jaw) disorders, neck dysfunction or misalignment, constriction or narrowing of arteries in the neck  
Man with closed eyes, hands on face

FAQs

The common causes of tinnitus include exposure to loud noise, age-related hearing loss, build-up of ear wax, and certain medications.
Yes, stress can cause tinnitus. Stress can lead to muscle tension and increased blood pressure, which can contribute to tinnitus symptoms. 
Yes, hearing loss can cause tinnitus. When the brain does not receive enough sound input from the ears due to hearing loss, it may amplify otherwise undetected signals from the body, which is perceived as tinnitus.
Yes, ear infections can cause tinnitus. Infections in the ear can cause inflammation and damage to the middle or inner ear, leading to tinnitus symptoms.
Yes, high blood pressure can cause tinnitus. High blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels in the inner ear, leading to tinnitus symptoms.

RELATED ARTICLES

Woman with headache

The symptoms of tinnitus

Tinnitus is a common hearing impairment that causes a ringing, buzzing or whistling sound in your ears. But why does this happen - and what can you do about it?
Man with glasses and closed eyes is smiling

Best tinnitus treatment 2023

Tinnitus can be frustrating and debilitating. But there are many treatment options available that can help manage its symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Go to the top