Tinnitus is the perception of sound, such as ringing, buzzing, or hissing, in the absence of an external source. It can be caused by a range of factors, with common contributors including noise-induced hearing loss, age-related auditory decline (presbycusis), ototoxic medications, and ear infections or blockages. More complex causes include Meniere’s disease, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and rare neurological or vascular conditions like acoustic neuromas or abnormal blood flow.
Tinnitus is generally categorized into two types: subjective tinnitus, heard only by the patient and usually linked to inner ear or brain dysfunction, and the rare objective tinnitus, which can be heard by a clinician and often has a physical cause. Understanding the source of tinnitus is essential for guiding treatment and management strategies. Early evaluation by an audiologist or ENT specialist is advised for persistent or concerning symptoms.
