What are some triggers for tinnitus?

Tinnitus, often described as a ringing, buzzing, clicking, or hissing sound in the ears, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While tinnitus itself is a symptom, not a disease, understanding its potential causes and, more importantly, its triggers, is crucial for managing the condition.

For those who live with chronic tinnitus, identifying and mitigating these triggers can significantly improve quality of life. At our audiology clinic in Hoddesdon, we specialise in helping patients understand what might be causing or exacerbating their experience of tinnitus. Let's explore some of the most common factors that can trigger or worsen this frustrating auditory condition.

Noise Exposure and Damage

By far, the most common trigger and underlying cause of tinnitus is exposure to loud noise. Damage to the delicate hair cells (stereocilia) in the inner ear, which are responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain, is a frequent result of acoustic trauma.

• Sudden Loud Noise: A single, extremely loud event, such as a gunshot or an explosion, can cause immediate and sometimes permanent tinnitus.

• Prolonged Exposure: Consistent exposure to high-decibel environments, such as construction sites, factories, or loud music concerts, gradually damages the hearing mechanism, leading to chronic tinnitus. If you work or play in loud environments, using proper hearing protection is the single most important preventative measure.

  
  

Earwax and Obstruction

Sometimes, the trigger for tinnitus is surprisingly simple and easily remedied. A build-up of earwax (cerumen) can press against the eardrum, changing the pressure within the ear canal and sometimes resulting in temporary tinnitus. Similarly, foreign objects or debris in the ear canal can also be a trigger. Once the blockage is safely and professionally removed by microsuction, the tinnitus often subsides completely.

Certain Medications (Ototoxicity)

A number of prescription and over-the-counter medications are known to be ototoxic, meaning they can damage the ear and potentially trigger or worsen tinnitus. These include:

• High doses of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

• Certain antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides.

• Some diuretics and chemotherapy drugs.

If you notice the onset of tinnitus after starting a new medication, it is vital to speak to your prescribing doctor immediately. Never stop taking prescribed medication without medical advice.

Stress and Anxiety

While stress and anxiety do not directly cause the physical damage that leads to tinnitus, they are incredibly common triggers for worsening or heightening the perception of it. High levels of emotional distress cause the body to release adrenaline, increasing heart rate and overall bodily tension.

For many individuals with underlying tinnitus, this state of heightened alert makes the internal sound far more noticeable and bothersome. Managing stress through techniques like mindfulness, exercise, and good sleep hygiene is a crucial component of tinnitus management.

Underlying Health Conditions

A number of systemic health issues can manifest or be accompanied by tinnitus. These include:

• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Changes in blood flow, particularly near the ear, can cause pulsatile tinnitus, a rhythm that matches the heart beat.

• Ménière's Disease: An inner ear disorder that causes dizziness (vertigo), fluctuating hearing loss, and ringing in the ears.

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Issues with the jaw joint can sometimes trigger tinnitus due to the proximity of the joint and shared nerve pathways.

Understanding the specific mechanism behind your tinnitus is the first step toward effective treatment. A comprehensive hearing evaluation by a qualified audiologist is necessary to rule out or identify these and other potential causes.

Tinnitus Assessment in Hoddesdon

Tinnitus can be a challenging condition, but identifying and addressing your specific triggers is the key to regaining control. If you have noticed persistent ringing or other sounds in your ears, a professional assessment is the best way forward.

If you’re concerned about tinnitus or a change in your hearing, please contact our audiology clinic in Hoddesdon or book an appointment with one of our expert audiologists.