What causes tinnitus?
The following are among the most common causes of tinnitus:
- Exposure to loud noises, which can lead to noise-induced hearing loss over time
- Hearing loss related to aging
- Certain drugs that can damage the inner workings of the ear. For example, taking high doses of aspirin every day may lead to tinnitus.
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
- Infections, such as otitis media or labyrinthitis
- Meniere’s disease, a condition that also causes a spinning feeling (also called vertigo)
In many cases, the cause of tinnitus cannot be identified.
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff