Tinnitus is a condition where a person hears ringing, buzzing, or other noises in their ears when there is no external noise source. It can be a temporary condition, or it can be chronic. Chronic tinnitus can cause a lot of distress and can interfere with a person’s quality of life.
There are many causes of tinnitus, but probably the most common is damage to the hair cells in the inner ear. This damage can be caused by exposure to loud noise, certain medications, and head or neck trauma. Tinnitus can also be a symptom of other underlying disorders, such as Meniere’s disease, acoustic neuroma, and thyroid problems.
If you’re constantly bothered by a ringing noise in your ears, you may have tinnitus. In some cases, tinnitus may be genetic. Read on to learn more.
Understanding Tinnitus
Tinnitus is when an individual hears ringing, buzzing, or droning in their ears with no outside source of the sound. The word tinnitus actually comes from the Latin word for “ringing like a bell.”
Tinnitus is a noise generated in the head rather than the environment. The noise can originate from multiple places in the body, including the ear or brain.
Determining the type of tinnitus you are experiencing is the first step to uncovering the cause and treating it effectively. It can be annoying and can interfere with your ability to hear. Tinnitus can be a very frustrating condition to deal with. It can cause sleep loss, anxiety, and even depression.
The Causes of Tinnitus
Temporary tinnitus is often caused by exposure to loud noises, such as from a rock concert. Some medical conditions that are often also associated with tinnitus include:
- Acoustic neuroma
- Anxiety
- Bruxism
- Depression
- Ear bone change
- Ear nerve damage
- Excessive earwax
- Head or neck injury
- Hearing loss due to age
- Inner ear infection
- Meniere’s disease
Is Tinnitus Hereditary?
Tinnitus is not directly passed down from your parents, but there may be some genetic factors that can play a role in its development. For example, if there are abnormalities in the bones of the ear, this can be inherited and may lead to tinnitus. Other conditions that can cause ringing in the ears may also be passed down from parents, such as anxiety and depression.
If you are suffering from tinnitus, there are a few things you can do to try to ease the symptoms. One thing you can do is to avoid loud noises, as this can aggravate the condition. You can also try using a white noise machine or wearing earplugs to help drown out the sound of the tinnitus. Some people find relief by using relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
Conclusion
The ringing in your ear is not something you are born with, but you may be more likely to get it if it runs in your family. Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of things, and if you have a family history of the condition, you may be more susceptible to it. You should come in for an evaluation to find out for sure.
If you are struggling to cope with tinnitus, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can help you find ways to manage the condition and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
Do you need a free hearing test in Lexington? Turn to Hear More Associates, the most trusted hearing care specialists for patients throughout Lexington and Greater Boston, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Schedule an appointment.
