Tinnitus is often described as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or pulsing sounds in the ears, even when no external noise is present. For some people, it is a mild background sound that comes and goes.
For others, tinnitus can be more persistent, affecting concentration, sleep and overall well-being. While tinnitus is common, many people are unsure about what causes tinnitus or how it develops.
Understanding tinnitus is the first step toward managing it. Although there is no single cure, a combination of hearing care, sound therapy and lifestyle strategies may help reduce its impact for many individuals. This article explores what tinnitus is, the common tinnitus causes, and some tinnitus solutions.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus refers to noises heard in the ears or head that do not come from an external source. These sounds vary widely between individuals and may be described as:
- Ringing
- Buzzing
- Clicking
- Roaring
- Humming
- High-pitched tones
- A pulsing sound (often linked with pulsatile tinnitus)
Tinnitus itself is actually a symptom, not a condition. It represents a change in how the auditory system processes sound. Many cases are linked with underlying factors such as hearing loss, middle ear changes or noise exposure.
There are two main categories of tinnitus: subjective and objective/
Subjective tinnitus
This is the most common type. Only the person experiencing it can hear the sound. Subjective tinnitus is typically associated with hearing loss, noise damage, ear conditions and other internal factors affecting the auditory system.
Objective tinnitus
This form is rare. The sound can sometimes be heard by a clinician during examination. Objective tinnitus is usually related to muscle spasms, vascular conditions or other physical sources within the body.
Common Reasons Why Tinnitus Happens
Tinnitus has many potential causes, and in many cases, more than one factor may be involved. Below are some of the most widely recognised contributors.
1. Noise Exposure and Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Long-term or sudden exposure to loud sounds is one of the leading causes of tinnitus. This includes:
- Workplace machinery
- Power tools
- Loud music (concerts, headphones, live performance)
- Motorsports
- Shooting or impulse noise
Prolonged noise exposure can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to changes in sound processing. Many people develop tinnitus alongside noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
2. Earwax Impaction
Earwax plays a protective role, but a buildup can block the ear canal and affect hearing. When sound cannot travel properly through the ear, the brain may increase internal sensitivity, which can lead to tinnitus. Safe, professional wax removal may reduce symptoms when impaction is the cause.
3. Middle Ear Infection or Fluid (Otitis Media / “Glue Ear”)
Fluid or inflammation in the middle ear can cause a blocked sensation, hearing changes and tinnitus symptoms. Middle ear infections are more common in children but can occur at any age.
4. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and Barotrauma
The Eustachian tube helps equalise pressure between the middle ear and the environment. When it becomes blocked, often due to allergies, colds, sinus congestion or air pressure changes, it may lead to:
- Muffled hearing
- Fullness in the ear
- Crackling
- Temporary tinnitus
This can also occur during flights, scuba diving or rapid altitude changes.
5. Ototoxic Medications
Ototoxic medications are drugs that can affect the auditory system. These may include certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, chemotherapy agents and high-dose aspirin. Not everyone will experience tinnitus, but it is a known potential side effect. Decisions about medication should always be made in consultation with a GP or specialist.
6. TMJ Disorders and Bruxism
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sits close to the ear. Conditions affecting the jaw, such as clenching, grinding or TMJ dysfunction, may trigger tinnitus or make existing symptoms more noticeable. Some people report improvement when the underlying jaw issue is addressed.
7. Ménière’s Disease
Ménière’s disease is an inner ear condition that can cause:
- Episodes of vertigo
- Fluctuating hearing loss
- Tinnitus
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
It typically affects one ear and requires GP or specialist management.
8. Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) – Rare but Important
Very rarely, tinnitus in one ear may be related to a benign tumour on the hearing and balance nerve. This is known as an acoustic neuroma or vestibular schwannoma. Signs that require timely medical assessment include:
- Tinnitus in one ear only
- Unilateral hearing loss
- Balance difficulties
- Facial numbness (less common)
These symptoms do not mean a tumour is present, but they should be assessed by an audiologist, GP or ENT specialist.
9. Sudden Hearing Loss with Tinnitus (Urgent)
A sudden drop in hearing, especially when paired with tinnitus, requires urgent medical attention. Early treatment offers the best chance of improving hearing outcomes. Anyone experiencing sudden sensorineural hearing loss should seek immediate assessment by a GP, audiologist or emergency department.
10. Stress, Anxiety and Poor Sleep
Tinnitus often becomes more noticeable during periods of stress, fatigue or disrupted sleep. Stress does not directly cause tinnitus, but it can heighten awareness of existing symptoms. Many people benefit from relaxation strategies, sleep support and sound therapy to help reduce the impact.
Tinnitus Treatment Options
While there is no single tinnitus cure, several evidence-based strategies may help reduce its impact. These may include:
- Sound therapy
- Hearing aids (for tinnitus linked with hearing loss)
- Tinnitus counselling and education
- Sleep and relaxation approaches
- Managing medical or ear-related contributors
- Stress reduction strategies
An audiologist can recommend a personalised tinnitus treatment plan based on your symptoms and hearing profile.
Looking After Your Hearing Health
Tinnitus can feel overwhelming, but many people find their symptoms become more manageable with the right support. Understanding tinnitus causes, identifying contributing factors and seeking timely assessment can all help guide effective management.
If tinnitus is affecting your daily life, sleep or concentration, an audiologist can help you understand what is happening and explore suitable management options tailored to your needs.
Seek tinnitus treatment solutions from our experts at Audience Hearing. Our audiologists are available in Mollymook, Leppington, Liverpool and Mt Annan. Book a consultation to know more.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus refers to hearing sounds such as ringing, buzzing or hissing in the ears without an external source. It is a symptom rather than a condition and can vary widely in pitch, intensity and duration.
2. What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus has many possible causes. Common contributors include noise exposure, age-related hearing changes, earwax impaction, middle ear issues, certain medications, and jaw-related conditions. In some cases, more than one factor may be involved.
3. Is tinnitus permanent?
Tinnitus may be temporary or ongoing, depending on the underlying cause. Some people experience short-term episodes, while others may have persistent symptoms. An audiologist or GP can assess potential contributing factors and recommend suitable management strategies.
4. Can tinnitus be cured?
There is no single cure for tinnitus, but many people benefit from strategies such as sound therapy, hearing support, education and lifestyle modifications. These approaches aim to reduce the impact of symptoms and improve daily comfort.
5. When should I seek medical or audiology assessment?
You should seek timely assessment if tinnitus:
- Occurs suddenly
- Affects only one ear
- Occurs with sudden hearing changes
- Is accompanied by dizziness, imbalance or ear fullness
These signs do not necessarily indicate a serious condition, but they should be evaluated.
6. Is tinnitus always linked to hearing loss?
Not always, but many people with tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss. A hearing assessment can help identify whether changes in hearing are contributing to tinnitus symptoms.
7. Can stress make tinnitus worse?
Stress does not directly cause tinnitus, but it can heighten awareness and make symptoms feel more noticeable. Strategies that support relaxation and sleep may help reduce its impact.
8. What are the treatment options for tinnitus?
Management options may include sound therapy, hearing aids (if hearing loss is present), tinnitus counselling, lifestyle strategies, relaxation support and addressing medical or ear-related contributors. An audiologist can help guide personalised treatment options based on individual needs.
9. Can earwax cause tinnitus?
Yes. A buildup of earwax can block the ear canal and lead to tinnitus symptoms. If wax is the cause, professional removal may help reduce the associated sounds.
10. What is pulsatile tinnitus?
Pulsatile tinnitus is a rhythmic pulsing sound that often matches the heartbeat. It may be related to changes in blood flow or pressure and should be assessed by an audiologist, GP or ENT specialist.
