What Causes Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is an annoying ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that can be heard at any time, even when you are asleep. The condition is called tinnitus because it sounds like the noise of a ringing bell. It is caused by a problem in the ear, which could be an infection, a buildup of wax, a blocked eustachian tube, or a problem with the inner ear.

Tinnitus research has been going on for many years and the results have been mixed. Some studies have shown that there is no connection between tinnitus and hearing loss, while others have shown that tinnitus can be a symptom of hearing loss.

There are several types of tinnitus. There is pulsatile tinnitus, in which the tinnitus starts and stops periodically. This type is usually caused by an abnormal heartbeat. It can also be caused by an irregular heartbeat, such as in a heart attack.

Another type is tonal tinnitus, in which there is a constant high-pitched sound. This type is often caused by a problem with the inner ear, such as a buildup of wax or a blockage in the eustachian tube.

The last type is a low-pitched noise, sometimes referred to as a humming sound. This type is caused by a problem with the outer ear, such as an earwax build-up.

If you are experiencing tinnitus, you should first see your doctor. He may be able to tell if you have tinnitus by examining your ears. He may also ask you to take a hearing test, to make sure that you do not have a problem with your hearing. If your doctor cannot find the cause of your tinnitus, he may refer you to a specialist in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). This specialist will probably recommend that you undergo tests to determine if there is a problem with your inner ear. These tests include an MRI scan, an audiogram, and a CT scan.