What causes tinnitus?

A third of people sometimes suffer from tinnitus, but for 1 in 100 tinnitus is problematic.

People with tinnitus constantly hear a whistling or humming sound. Tinnitus can be very disturbing, especially when it is quiet. Tinnitus is caused by certain areas of the brain being too active. The main cause is a very loud noise, for example at a party. But a skull fracture and medications such as aspirin and quinine can also cause tinnitus. Tinnitus often also occurs in people with psychological problems. Rare diseases such as Ménière's and Lyme can also cause tinnitus.

The treatment is different for everyone but often unsuccessful: medication, psychotherapy, implants, sound destimulation, and many other treatments exist. Above all, patients must learn to live with it. But preventing noise damage with earplugs during parties remains the most important thing.

Source: https://health.ec.europa.eu/document/download/9eb31fe0-a7b8-4128-bd19-3105af2686cd_en

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2022-02-22 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024