Do you constantly hear a ringing sound in your ears? Let's talk about tinnitus!

Have you ever heard a ringing, buzzing, or clicking sound in your ears? Hearing this sound even when there is no sound outside is really annoying. This is a very common condition. In medicine, we call this condition tinnitus . Although there is no specific cure for this, we can avoid some of the things that cause this condition and make it worse. So today, let's talk about what can cause this tinnitus condition.

What are the external causes of tinnitus?

Excessive noise is the main cause of tinnitus. Imagine listening to loud music without ear protection, or working in a place with large machinery. When you are constantly exposed to such loud noises, the delicate parts inside the ear can be damaged. This damage can cause tinnitus.

Sometimes a sudden loud noise, such as a loud explosion or gunshot, can cause this. Therefore, it is very important to wear ear protection when going to music concerts or working in noisy workplaces.

How do our lifestyle habits affect this?

Some of the things we do every day and our habits can also cause or worsen tinnitus.

Drinking alcohol

Drinking alcohol not only increases your risk of developing tinnitus, but it can also make it worse if you already have it. One reason is that alcohol increases blood pressure . When blood pressure increases, the ringing in your ears becomes more noticeable.

Smoking

Smoking is another bad habit that contributes to tinnitus. Smoking can disrupt the nerve signals that carry sound from the ear to the brain. It can also damage the middle ear, increasing the risk of hearing loss. This can lead to tinnitus.

Sleep problems

This is a two-way street. If someone with tinnitus can't sleep, the noise will be more noticeable. On the other hand, if they try to sleep in a quiet place , the noise will start to become louder, making it harder to sleep. It's like a vicious cycle.

Exercise

Being physically active can help reduce the effects of tinnitus. That's a good thing. However, some sports and exercises can also make tinnitus worse. For example, high-impact sports like football and basketball, and fast running can damage your ears and make tinnitus worse. Doing things like weight lifting can increase the pressure in and around your ears, making tinnitus more likely.

Can food and drink cause tinnitus?

Researchers still haven't come to a clear consensus on the link between food and tinnitus. Some studies say one thing, while others say the opposite. However, there are a few foods that are often mentioned when it comes to tinnitus.

• Caffeine: While some people say that drinking coffee or tea can worsen tinnitus, research has not clearly proven this. Some studies suggest that reducing caffeine intake can help reduce symptoms. Others suggest that stopping caffeine can actually make tinnitus worse. So it's best to make your own decision based on your own experience . If you're okay with a cup of coffee, keep enjoying it. But if it makes you feel like it's making the noise louder, try cutting back a bit.
• Sodium: If your tinnitus is caused by an inner ear condition like Ménière's disease , a diet high in salt can make it worse. This is because salt causes your body to retain water, increasing fluid pressure inside your ear. Too much salt can also increase your blood pressure, which can worsen your tinnitus.
• High Fat: Some research suggests that a high-fat diet may increase the risk of tinnitus. This may be because such diets increase the risk of heart disease.

Tinnitus due to physical causes and diseases

Tinnitus can also be caused by various conditions and illnesses in our body. Some of these are listed in the table below.

In addition, tinnitus can also be a symptom of anemia, thyroid problems (Hypothyroidism/Hyperthyroidism), and various other medical conditions.

The relationship between mental health and tinnitus

Having tinnitus can cause stress and anxiety. This can be especially annoying if you hear the noise all day long. It can also be the other way around. Stress and anxiety can also cause or worsen tinnitus. Research has shown that someone who is under a lot of stress is at a similar risk of developing tinnitus as someone who is exposed to loud noise.

Do certain medications cause tinnitus?

Yes, tinnitus can occur as a side effect of some medications. These are called ototoxic drugs.

• Some painkillers (e.g. Aspirin, Ibuprofen)
• Some antibiotics
• Some anticancer drugs
• Some antidepressants
• Diuretics

When should you see a doctor?

If you start to experience ringing in your ears and it doesn't go away within a week, it's important to see your doctor and have your ears checked.

Especially if you have tinnitus with a sudden loss of hearing, see a doctor as soon as possible. It may be a medical emergency. In an emergency, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Remember, tinnitus can also be a symptom of another underlying condition, so it's best to see a doctor to get the full picture.