Causes of Tinnitus
- Dr. Pratibha Pandit Mane
- Apr 12
- 1 min read
Updated: Apr 14
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head without any external source. It's often described as ringing, but people also report buzzing, hissing, clicking, whooshing, or roaring sounds.

Causes of Tinnitus
Tinnitus isn’t a condition itself—it's a symptom of an underlying issue. Common causes include:
Hearing Loss
Age-related (presbycusis) or noise-induced damage to the inner ear.
Exposure to Loud Noise
Concerts, headphones at high volume, machinery, etc.
Ear Infections or Blockages
Wax buildup or fluid can trigger or worsen tinnitus.
Medications (Ototoxic Drugs)
Some antibiotics, NSAIDs, diuretics, and chemotherapy drugs can cause tinnitus.
Medical Conditions
Meniere's disease
TMJ disorders
High blood pressure
Acoustic neuroma (rare)
Stress and Anxiety
Can make tinnitus worse or more noticeable.
When to See a Doctor
Tinnitus in one ear only
Sudden hearing loss
Pulsing sound (like a heartbeat)
It’s affecting your quality of life
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