Tinnitus, characterized by a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ear without any external source, is a common issue affecting 15% to 20% of people. Although it is typically a symptom of other underlying conditions rather than a standalone condition, its impact on daily life can be profound and distressing.
The Negative Effects of Tinnitus
Tinnitus can significantly affect your quality of life. While some tinnitus is mild, cases of persistent ringing can lead to:
- Sleep disruption. The incessant ringing or buzzing of tinnitus can make it difficult to fall or stay asleep.
- Concentration issues. Persistent tinnitus can make it challenging to focus on tasks, reducing productivity and increasing stress.
- Emotional distress. Some chronic tinnitus patients experience anxiety, depression and irritability.
- Social withdrawal. Patients with chronic tinnitus may find it easier to withdraw socially than interact with the underlying ringing.
Understanding whether your tinnitus is temporary or permanent is crucial in determining the appropriate management strategies. Let’s explore two common causes of both temporary and permanent tinnitus.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss occurs when factors such as aging, noise exposure or other causes disrupt the transmission of sound through the ear. This disruption can cause the ear to produce its own noise, manifesting as temporary or permanent tinnitus:
- Temporary tinnitus: Often results from short-term exposure to loud noises, called a temporary threshold shift. This type of tinnitus typically subsides within a few days.
- Permanent tinnitus: Can result from long-term exposure to loud noises or other factors causing permanent damage to the cochlea’s hair cells.
Ototoxic Medication
Ototoxic medications, which are drugs that have a damaging effect on the ear, can cause tinnitus. Common ototoxic medications include certain pain relievers, chemotherapy drugs and medications for treating high blood pressure. This damage may result in:
- Temporary tinnitus: In some cases, tinnitus induced by ototoxic medications may resolve once the medication is discontinued.
- Permanent tinnitus: Prolonged use of ototoxic medications can lead to lasting ear damage and permanent tinnitus.
Regular audiology visits are crucial when taking ototoxic medications to monitor and minimize potential ear damage.
Other causes of temporary or permanent tinnitus may include ear infections, blocked Eustachian tubes, head trauma and earwax blockages. Less common but still possible causes include Ménière’s disease, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, vestibular schwannoma, otosclerosis, blood vessel disorders or autoimmune devices.
If you are experiencing temporary or permanent tinnitus, it is essential to seek professional help. Your audiologist can help you manage tinnitus through sound masking with hearing aids or white noise machines, therapy or by treating the underlying condition. Contact Today’s Hearing today to schedule an appointment with our specialists for a comprehensive consultation and symptom management plan.