While tinnitus can occur in every stage of life and affects both men and women, the condition is most common among men. According to an American study, almost 12% of men who are 65 to 74 years of age are affected by tinnitus.
Tinnitus is not a disease but rather a reflection of something else that is going on in the hearing system or brain.
What causes tinnitus?
Almost anything that can affect a person’s hearing can lead to tinnitus. The following have been identified as potential causes of tinnitus:
- Earwax: Impacted earwax can put pressure on the hearing system, causing tinnitus.
- Exposure to extreme noise: Both long-term exposure and sudden loud noises can trigger a permanent hearing loss that results in tinnitus.
- Hearing loss: Having to strain to hear can raise tinnitus levels.
- Meniere’s disease: A medical condition that also causes dizziness, nausea, and fluctuating hearing loss.
- Some medications: Tinnitus can be a side effect of common medicines such as antibiotics and arthritis pills.
- Stress and fatigue: Elevated stress and a poor sleep can make tinnitus worse.
- Caffeine: Tea, coffee, cola, and chocolate can all increase the severity of tinnitus, along with food and drinks containing quinine.
- Smoking: This can cause tinnitus by restricting the blood flow through your ear canal and limiting the supply of Oxygen.
- Alcohol: Red wine and champagne are well known for triggering tinnitus.
- Pregnancy, anemia and an overactive thyroid can cause certain types of tinnitus.
- Jaw joint misalignment or muscles of the ear or throat “twitching” can cause a “clicking” type of tinnitus
Contact us today!
Expert Hearing Care are here to help you with tinnitus. Call us today on (08) 9375-9977, or complete the form below. One of our team will will be in touch as soon as possible to answer your questions, or to schedule an appointment at one of our hearing centres.
Contact Form
"*" indicates required fields
