One leading theory is that tinnitus may occur when damage to the inner ear changes the signals transmitted by nerves to the areas of your brain responsible for processing sound.
Therefore, while tinnitus may seem to originate in your ear, the phantom sounds are actually generated by your brain, specifically in an area called the auditory cortex.
Other evidence shows that abnormal interactions between the auditory cortex and other neural circuits may play a role in tinnitus.
The auditory cortex communicates with other parts of the brain, such as the parts that control attention and emotions, and studies have shown that some people with tinnitus have changes in these non-auditory brain regions.
Whilst the exact causes of tinnitus are not fully understood, it has been linked to the following
Many people experience tinnitus after being exposed to loud noises in a workplace setting or at a sporting event or concert.
Hearing loss, which can be caused by factors such as ageing or exposure to loud noises, is strongly associated with tinnitus.
Blockage of the ear canal by earwax or by fluid from an ear infection can trigger tinnitus.
A head or neck injury can damage structure of the ear, the nerve that carries sound signals to the brain, or areas of the brain that process sound, causing tinnitus.
Tinnitus can be a side effect of taking certain medications, especially in high doses. Medications associated with tinnitus include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin), certain antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, anti-malaria medications, and antidepressants.
An inner ear condition that can cause balance problems and hearing loss.
The jaw joint near the ear can be damaged by jaw clenching or teeth grinding, potentially leading to tinnitus.
A vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) is a benign tumor on a nerve that leads from the inner ear to the brain. Acoustic neuromas and other head, neck, and brain tumors can cause tinnitus.
High blood pressure, atherosclerosis, or malformations in blood vessels, especially if they are in or close to the ear, can alter blood flow and cause tinnitus.
Diabetes, migraines, thyroid disorders, anemia, and certain autoimmune disorders such as lupus and multiple sclerosis are among the chronic conditions that have been linked to tinnitus.
While there are many possible causes of tinnitus, some times the cause cannot be established.
However, some people find that it affects their mood and their ability to sleep or concentrate. In severe cases, tinnitus can lead to anxiety or depression.
There are several ways to lessen the impact of tinnitus. Below are some of the treatments that have been recommend.
Counselling can improve your wellbeing by helping you reduce the impact of tinnitus on your life.
Education about tinnitus reduces anxiety by clarifying it is rarely linked to serious health conditions. Counseling provides coping strategies and ways to prevent worsening symptoms, such as avoiding loud noise.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps individuals identify and reframe negative thoughts, focusing on positive actions to reduce the impact of tinnitus. Studies show it improves the wellbeing of those affected by the condition.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) combines counseling and sound therapy to help individuals reclassify tinnitus as a neutral phenomenon and adapt to its presence. Devices worn in the ear emit low-level sounds, reducing symptoms and helping to enhance quality of life.
Sound generators, like tabletop devices or smartphone apps, play relaxing sounds (e.g., waves, rain) to aid sleep. They can be placed near your bed and be programmed to suit your preference. Mild tinnitus sufferers may also use radios or fans for similar benefits.
Hearing aids are a key treatment for tinnitus with hearing loss, amplifying external sounds to reduce tinnitus awareness and improve hearing. Around 60% see improvement, with 22% experiencing significant relief.
Wearable sound generators, similar to hearing aids, emit soft sounds like white noise or nature sounds to mask tinnitus. Portable for all-day relief, they can be replaced by smartphone apps. A 2017 study found white noise more effective than nature sounds.
Combination devices, which fit into the ear like hearing aids, provide sound amplification and sound generation in one device. These devices are another option for treating tinnitus in people with hearing loss.
Signia Tinnitus Notch Therapy offers a potentially permanent solution*. Pushing tinnitus into the background over time reduces overstimulation and trains the brain to ignore the sounds. Experience improved sleep and daily ease as this unobtrusive technology delivers lasting relief and a better quality of life in weeks or months.
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, hearing aids are an effective tinnitus treatment. Clarisound offers a proprietary therapy tailored to Signia hearing aids, which have been proven to manage tinnitus effectively. Studies show combining amplification with counseling leads to better results than counseling alone, making Clarisound’s approach highly effective for tinnitus relief.
*Source – Powers, L., dos Santos, G.M., & Jons, C. (2016, September). Notch Therapy: A new approach to tinnitus treatment. AudiologyOnline, Article 18365.
No specific medication treats tinnitus, but doctors may prescribe anti-depressants or anti-anxiety drugs to aid mood and sleep. Vitamins and supplements marketed as cures lack proven effectiveness.
Although there is currently no cure for tinnitus, several effective treatment options can help manage the condition. Sound therapy, behavioral therapies, and medications may reduce symptoms and enhance your quality of life. Additionally, making lifestyle changes—such as avoiding loud noises and managing hearing loss—can aid in the prevention and management of tinnitus. With the right treatment and support, it is possible to find relief from tinnitus and improve overall wellbeing.
