Definition

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there is no actual noise. It may be a buzzing, hissing, whistling, swooshing, and clicking noise. Pulsatile tinnitus is caused by the flow of blood. It happens with each heartbeat. Tinnitus can be a temporary or long-term problem.

Anatomy of the Ear Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Sound waves cause vibration or pressure on small structures in the ear. This creates signals that are sent to the brain. Damage to this system may cause signals when sound is not present. It may be caused by one or more of the following:

• Damage to inner ear hair cells
• Damage to inner ear after you are around loud sounds—may last only few minutes
• Ear bone changes such as stiffening of bones in the middle ear
• Ear wax build-up
• Age-related hearing loss
• Damage to ear drum or nerves

Different health problems can cause or worsen tinnitus. An exact cause may not be found.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your chances of tinnitus:

• Work or activity that has loud noises
• Wax or object in the ear canal
• Stress
• Fatigue
• Smoking
• Certain medicine, such as aspirin, antibiotics, or diuretics
• Toxins, such as heavy metals, carbon monoxide, or alcohol
• Certain health conditions, such as:
  • Ear infection
  • Meniere disease
  • Allergies
  • High or low blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Tumors
  • Thyroid problems
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder
• Blood vessel problems, such as an aneurysm, fistula, or hardening of the arteries
• Fluid in the ear
• Ruptured membrane in the ear
• Injury to the head or neck

Symptoms

Tinnitus may have:

• Ringing, roaring, buzzing, clicking, whistling, or hissing sounds
• May happen in short bursts, pulses, or ongoing noise
• Intensity may stay the same or vary
• Single or multiple tones
• Worsening at night or when there are fewer distractions
• Sensation of inside movement, such as blood pulsing or muscles movement

Hearing loss or vertigo may also be present.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will ask about:

• Sensations that you have
• Factors that may increase or decrease the sensation
• Medicine that you take
• History of trauma

The doctor will look at your ear canal with a scope. You may have a complete hearing test. A CT or MRI scan may be done. It will help to rule out more serious causes.

In addition to hearing the test may include:

• Tympanogram
• Auditory brain response

Treatment

When possible, the cause will be treated. This may stop tinnitus.

Other treatment will help to get rid of or reduce bothersome sensations. Steps may include:

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of tinnitus:

• Avoid exposure to very loud noise.
• Wear earplugs in noisy places.
• Wear earmuffs when mowing the grass or using any other loud machinery.
• Learn and practice stress management.
• Limit use of medicine that damages hearing.