Causes Of Tinnitus To Look Out For

About fifty million individuals in the United States experience tinnitus in some form, and for approximately two million of those individuals, it can be debilitating. Tinnitus is described as perceiving a ringing or similar abnormal noise in the ears. The sounds range from high squeals to low roars. There are two different types of tinnitus. Someone examining the patient’s ear can hear the objective form, and the patient can only hear the subjective type. Several factors can contribute to tinnitus and knowing what they are can help patients determine if they are at significant risk for developing this condition. Learn about the biggest ones now.

Prolonged Exposure To Loud Noises

Prolonged exposure to loud noises can be quite damaging to the delicate structures inside the ears. It is entirely possible to experience temporary tinnitus after a concert or short-term exposure to loud noises. This typically goes away, but when exposure is long-term, permanent damage can occur, causing the chronic ringing. Common sources of loud noises include heavy equipment, portable music devices, or even frequently being around firearms without ear protection. This exposure can cause damage to the inner ear cells, and once these are impaired, random electrical impulses may be 'leaked' to the brain, causing the abnormal noises to occur. This is because these impulses are interpreted as sound.

Continue reading to learn about another potential cause of tinnitus.

Earwax Blockage

Earwax is a good thing in moderation, as it is important for trapping dirt and debris to protect the ear canal. It also slows bacteria growth to prevent infections in the ears. However, when wax builds up, it starts to harden, and at this point, it cannot just be easily washed away. As it accumulates, the eardrum can become irritated due to the earwax blockage. Tinnitus is a possible symptom of eardrum irritation. Once the wax is cleared, patients may notice a reduction in the ringing and other abnormal noises, though this is not guaranteed. It depends on several factors, such as how long the excess wax was present and irritating the eardrum.

Keep going to understand another cause of tinnitus now.