We have all experienced it at one time or another: an obnoxious, sometimes high-pitched ringing sensation deep within our ears, also known as tinnitus. While this is a very common short-term issue when exposed to high noise volumes, it can also be a chronic problem, which actually may be caused by a few surprising sources.
High Noise Volumes
The most obvious and thus common cause of tinnitus is being exposed to high noise volumes. Have you ever been to a concert and experienced tinnitus for a few hours afterward? Other instances in which high noise volumes may cause tinnitus include working or being near loud heavy machinery, such as at construction sites, or listening to head phones for an extended period at a very high volume.
Increase in Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can lead to many feelings of bodily discomfort, including tinnitus. Periods of stress and excessive use of caffeine or alcohol can cause an increase in blood pressure, which may lead to tinnitus.
Sinus Infections and Allergies
Both seasonal allergies and sinus infections can quickly cause tinnitus. When an infection or moderate allergy is present, a thick layer of mucus often forms within the inner ear, which causes the feeling of head congestion, pressure, and ear aches.
Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome
Also known as TMJ, this very common condition of the jaw joint is known to cause long-term tinnitus. The exact connection between TMJ and tinnitus is yet to be discovered by the medical community.
Foods
Certain foods high in salicylates (the active ingredient in aspirin and some over-the-counter indigestion medications) have been linked to tinnitus, such as wines, grain alcohols, cheeses, and chocolates.
Wax Build-up
Keeping your ears wax-free is not only the hygienic thing to do, but may also improve your hearing. Excess wax build-up is known to cause a many ear issues, including tinnitus.
Stress, Trauma, or Injury
Periods of stress, traumatic experiences (such as the death of a loved one), and minor injuries can quickly cause several negative changes within your body, including the chemical production of your hypothalamus gland – which often leads to short-term tinnitus.
Medications
Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs are known to cause tinnitus, which is often resolved when dosing levels are changed. It is recommended to check with your doctor or pharmacist to learn if any of your current medications may be the cause of long-term tinnitus.
While tinnitus is most commonly caused by lifestyle choices or habits, it can also be brought on by serious conditions, such as Fibromyalgia, Meniere’s Disease, Lyme Disease, and irregular growths or tumors.
If you are suffering from on-going tinnitus, it is best to speak with your doctor in order to rule out serious conditions and locate the cause of this obnoxious condition.
Sources:
http://www.tinnitusearringing.com/causes_for_ringing_ears.htm
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/sym/ringing_in_ears.htm
