What Is Tinnitus And What Causes It?

At different times in life , we may hear strange noises or experience different hearing complaints. It is possible that tinnitus is the cause and this can disturb us very much. We soon become concerned, because sometimes we don’t know what could have caused it.

Often if only temporary, we quickly forget about the problem and return to normal life.

In some cases, tinnitus is the result of indirect factors, such as:

• Water in the ears or the result of a recent flight on an airplane.
• Extreme physical activity or a change in posture can also cause this noise.

However, some people have this problem repeatedly and often with a moderate to hard intensity. In these cases, you should immediately consult a doctor.

If the ringing is loud, continuous, or both, it can be a serious problem.

In general, it is not due to a disease, but is a symptom associated with other problems.

In this article we will list some causes and a series of recommendations. In addition, you should remember that tinnitus is strongly related to your eating habits.

What is tinnitus and what causes it?

Ringing in the ears is also known as tinnitus. It is defined as a sensation of ringing in the ears that seems to have no external origin. That is, only the person can hear it.

About 15% of all people suffer from this problem; they hear beeps, pulsations or vibrations. They hear this in addition to other types of sound. It is more common in people over the age of 40.

Tinnitus can be caused by several things. The most common reasons relate to audio devices, or other pathological or non-pathological causes.

The non-pathological causes can be:

• Excessive earwax in the ear canal.
• Water in your ears.
• Foreign objects in the ear.
• Hormonal changes.

By pathological causes we mean:

• Otitis or infection of part of the ear.
• Perforated eardrum.
• Hardened bones in the ear.
• Growths, cysts or tumors.
• Meniere’s disease.

• Neurological problems.
• Diabetes and obesity.
• A serious mental illness.

Causes related to trauma, such as:

• A blow to the head or near the ear as a result of a fall, collision, etc.
• Arterial hypertension and diseases of the heart.

Other conditions that can cause tinnitus include:

• drug use.
• Stress, anxiety and fatigue.
• Taking certain medications.
• Exposure to very loud noises.
• Exposure to loud and persistent ambient noise.
• Frequent use of headphones at high volume.

What should you do if you suffer from tinnitus?

Ringing in the ears is very annoying, if this problem occurs often and does not stop, you should immediately see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Once it has been identified as tinnitus, or as a disease causing it, treatment must be prompt. This way you avoid aggravating the situation or the possibility of irreversible after-effects.

The doctor may perform a hearing test or request other medical tests. The patient may need to be transferred to other specialists such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or endocrinologist.

As far as treatment is concerned, the doctor will have to make a choice. This depends on the cause and the doctor can choose between medication, surgery, acoustic therapy or radiofrequency therapy.

It is recommended not to take aspirin, as the acetylsalicylic acid is harmful in this condition.

The only situation in which you can use such remedies is if the cause is not pathological.

• The recommendations include consuming certain substances or foods such as pineapple, Ginkgo Biloba or wrapping warm towels around your ears.

How can tinnitus be prevented?

A special preventive measure is to  avoid exposure to loud noises. In general, this is enough. In addition, it is important to maintain healthy habits. Of course, that also applies to taking care of both your physical and mental health.

• Reduce any excessive consumption of salt, sugar, caffeine and fast food.
• Therefore, try to follow such a healthy and balanced diet.
• Remember to keep yourself well hydrated and get plenty of exercise.

Consequences of prolonged tinnitus

If the diagnosis and treatment is prompt, there is a good chance that you will resolve the problem with no lasting effects. Otherwise, a lack of care and attention to the problem poses a great risk to your health.

A prolonged episode of tinnitus  can lead to hearing loss, caused by the exhaustion of auditory cells.

However , it can also cause the opposite: hyperacusis, a high sensitivity to sound from over-stimulation.

Another problem caused by tinnitus is a reduction in quality of life. In addition, it can affect your performance at work. The patient may also suffer from frequent headaches, fainting, insomnia, depression or anxiety, among several other serious problems.