Appalachian Audiology

The Onset and Causes of Tinnitus

Only 10% of tinnitus sufferers have normal hearing. It is therefore thought that the onset of tinnitus indicates some type of accompanying hearing loss or auditory malady. It is difficult for most tinnitus sufferers to identify a specific event that led to its onset. Of those who can, most attribute the onset to loud noise exposure such as fireworks, speaker volume, or gunfire. The causes of tinnitus are numerous and include: Hearing loss Loud noise exposure High blood pressure Head and neck tumors Head and neck injuries Excessive ear wax Ear infection Medicines such as: Antibiotics like chloramphenicol, erythromycin, gentamicin, vancomycin, and bleomycin Cancer medications like mechlorethamine and vincristine Unusually high doses of aspirin Diuretics Visit the Mayo Clinic's website for a detailed description of tinnitus and its causes. Photo provided courtesy of Ambro.