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| Meta Title | Ringing in the ears (tinnitus): causes, prevention, and treatment |
| Meta Description | People with tinnitus hear constant noises without any apparent reason. What is behind it and what you can do. |
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| Boilerpipe Text | Whether itâs whistling, humming or buzzing, most people experience ringing in the ears from time to time, for example after a loud concert. But people with tinnitus hear constant noises without any apparent reason. This constant ringing in the ears can have a severe impact on the lives of those affected.
At a glance
Sounds in peopleâs ears can have many different causes. They are only very rarely a sign of a serious medical condition.
Around 5 to 15 percent of all adults experience a longer-lasting episode of tinnitus at some point in their lives.
It usually goes away on its own.
Sometimes people develop tinnitus quite suddenly, but then it usually doesnât last for more than a minute.
In some people, the sounds in the ear continue over a longer period of time.
If tinnitus lasts longer than three months, it is considered to be chronic.
Note:
The information in this article cannot and should not replace a medical consultation and must not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment.
What is tinnitus?
Anyone who has been to a loud concert or exposed to very loud machine noise has sometimes experienced whistling, humming or a high-pitched buzzing sound in their ears afterwards. It usually goes away on its own. These kinds of sounds in the ear are also called tinnitus aurium or tinnitus, for short. They can have many different causes and are only very rarely a sign of a serious medical condition. Sometimes people develop tinnitus quite suddenly and for no known reason such as noise â but then it usually doesnât last for more than a minute.
In some people, the sounds in the ear continue over a longer period of time. If tinnitus lasts longer than three months, it is considered to be chronic.
Most people with tinnitus only have mild symptoms. Although the ringing in the ears is annoying, people can learn to live with it. Yet sometimes itâs so bad that their everyday lives and quality of life are severely affected. Severe tinnitus can lead many people to feel constant stress and it makes it hard to concentrate and sleep properly.
Video
What is tinnitus?
The video below explains what can trigger tinnitus and what symptoms can occur.
This and other videos can also be found on YouTube
Watch now
The privacy policy indicated there applies.
What are the symptoms of tinnitus?
The word tinnitus comes from Latin and means âringingâ. People with tinnitus can indeed hear a ringing in their ears. But they also hear sounds like whistling, buzzing, humming, hissing, clicking or knocking. Tinnitus may be present in only one or in both ears. Some people say it feels like the sound is coming from inside their head, whereas others say it sounds like it is coming from outside. Tinnitus may be constant or it may come and go. It is also sometimes very quiet and then really loud again.
Most people with tinnitus have normal hearing otherwise. Tinnitus can be, but isnât necessarily, associated with hearing loss.
Tinnitus is very often caused by loud
noise
that damages the sensory cells of the cochlea in the inner ear. Most of those affected have spent a lot of time in loud places or had what is known as an acoustic trauma. This is when your ears are briefly exposed to an extremely loud noise, such as an explosion or nearby gunshots.
Other possible causes of tinnitus include:
a blocked ear (auditory) canal due to a build-up of ear wax
a chronic middle ear infection
a ruptured (perforated) eardrum
otosclerosis: a bone disease in the middle ear and inner ear that can lead to hearing loss
MĂ©niĂšreâs disease: a disease of the inner ear, causing symptoms such as tinnitus, vertigo and hearing loss
problems affecting the muscles or joint of the jaw
Some medication can also cause ringing in the ears, for example very high doses of the pain medication acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Therefore it is important to pay attention to the correct dosage of medication.
For many people, though, no cause of tinnitus can be found. Doctors call this type of tinnitus âprimaryâ or âidiopathicâ tinnitus, after the Greek words âidiosâ (own) and âpathosâ (suffering).
It is not completely clear how and why hearing damage caused by loud sounds can lead to tinnitus. According to one of several theories, the damaged or irritated sensory cells in the cochlea can no longer send signals to the brain. The nerve cells in the brainâs center of hearing become more active and produce âphantom soundsâ anyway. This is similar to how phantom pain develops following amputation.
It is also debated whether tinnitus can be caused by stress. But there isnât a clear link. So far, relaxation techniques havenât been shown to have a direct impact on tinnitus.
How common is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is quite common: around 5 to 15 percent of all adults experience a longer-lasting episode of tinnitus at some point in their lives. In about 10 to 20 percent of people who have tinnitus, the symptoms are so bad that they have a considerable impact on quality of life, and treatment is needed.
Tinnitus is most common in people over the age of 50, but in rare cases it can also affect children.
How does tinnitus develop?
Nobody can predict the exact course of tinnitus. If the cause is known and treatable, it may soon go away again. If it isnât clear what is causing the tinnitus, it may continue and become chronic. Some peopleâs hearing becomes more sensitive too, which can be unpleasant in loud places (hyperacusis).
Chronic tinnitus can affect quality of life and lead to problems with sleep and concentration. If it gets very bad, some people may withdraw socially and go out less. This can sometimes even lead to depression or contribute to its development.
The problems and trouble caused by chronic tinnitus may also improve over the years.
How can tinnitus be prevented?
It is generally always a good idea for people to protect themselves from noise and sounds that are too loud. Places with a lot of loud noise should be either avoided or visited only with protection like earplugs, for instance. This lowers the risk of developing tinnitus in the first place, or of existing tinnitus becoming chronic.
How is tinnitus diagnosed?
In order to diagnose tinnitus, the doctor first asks about the symptoms: what sounds the person hears exactly, in what situations they hear them, and whether they are accompanied by other symptoms such as earache or a feeling of pressure in the ear. Can medication be taken and in what dosage?
In primary (idiopathic) tinnitus, i.e. tinnitus with no identifiable cause, both ears are usually affected. If the sounds are only heard in one ear and are accompanied by other symptoms such as earache, the tinnitus is likely to have a specific cause which is usually treatable.
To diagnose tinnitus, the talk with the doctor is usually followed by an ear examination and a hearing test. It may be a good idea for the person to have a dental examination to rule out any problems with their jaw.
Based on the outcomes of the doctorâs examination, he or she will determine which type of tinnitus the person has. Doctors distinguish between the following types of tinnitus:
Subjective and objective tinnitus: subjective tinnitus can only be heard or perceived by the person who has it. Possible causes include problems with the auditory (hearing) system or the nerves that belong to it. In objective tinnitus, which is very rare, it can be caused by pulsing noises from a narrowed blood vessel, for instance. The doctor can also hear the sounds with their stethoscope.
Primary and secondary tinnitus: if no clear cause can be found, it is referred to as primary or idiopathic tinnitus. If there is an identifiable cause, it is known as secondary tinnitus. Possible causes include a perforated eardrum or a vascular (blood vessel) disease.
Acute and chronic tinnitus: if the sounds last longer than three months, it is considered to be chronic tinnitus.
Various levels of severity: for some people, tinnitus may have little to no effect on daily life or only occur from time to time. For others, however, it can be very severe, especially if they suffer clearly audible noises in their ears on a permanent basis. This can have a major impact on peopleâs daily lives and work, for instance because it is hard to sleep or concentrate properly.
How is tinnitus treated?
The treatment options for tinnitus will depend on the cause. If there is a specific underlying condition, this is then treated â for instance with medication to lower
blood pressure
. If treatment of the condition causing it is successful, the tinnitus will usually go away.
However, it is harder to treat tinnitus if the cause is unknown. The main aim of treatment is then to reduce the symptoms and find ways to cope well in everyday life despite having tinnitus. If the tinnitus is associated with hearing loss, a hearing aid might be considered.
A wide variety of products are available for the treatment of tinnitus, including herbal products, dietary supplements and various medications such as steroids or carbamazepine. None of these treatments have been proven to help. And some may have side effects.
The best-studied treatment is
cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
, in which sufferers learn how to cope better with chronic tinnitus. Although this doesnât make the sounds go away, it can lead to an improvement in quality of life.
If tinnitus arises suddenly, doctors often suggest immediate treatment with an infusion (a drip), for instance with a saline (salt) solution â particularly if the tinnitus is associated with sudden hearing loss. Sometimes people are given an infusion with hydroxyethyl starch (HES) instead. But no studies have shown that infusions with this drug help. On the contrary, HES can trigger severe allergic reactions, with itching all over the body.Â
For more detailed information, such as which treatments help with tinnitus and which donât, visit
gesundheitsinformation.de.
Deutsche Gesellschaft fĂŒr Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Hals-Chirurgie (DGHNO-KHC).Â
Chronischer Tinnitus (S3-Leitlinie)
. AWMF-Registernr.: 017-064. 2021.
Fuller T, Cima R, Langguth B et al.
Cognitive behavioural therapy for tinnitus
. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; (1): CD012614.Â
Kreuzer PM, Vielsmeier V, Langguth B.
Chronic tinnitus: an interdisciplinary challenge
. Dtsch Arztebl Int 2013; 110(16): 278-284.
Person OC, Puga ME, da Silva EM et al.
Zinc supplementation for tinnitus.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; (11): CD009832.
Phillips JS, McFerran DJ, Hall DA et al.
The natural history of subjective tinnitus in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of no-intervention periods in controlled trials
. Laryngoscope 2018; 128(1): 217-227.
Robert Koch-Institut (RKI).
Hörstörungen und Tinnitus
. 2020.
Savage J, Waddell A.
Tinnitus
. BMJ Clin Evid 2014: pii: 0506.
Yew KS.
Diagnostic approach to patients with tinnitus
. Am Fam Physician 2014; 89(2): 106-113.
Zenner HP, Delb W, Kröner-Herwig B et al.
Zur interdisziplinĂ€ren S3-Leitlinie fĂŒr die Therapie des chronischen-idiopathischen Tinnitus [On the interdisciplinary S3 guidelines for the treatment of chronic idiopathic tinnitus]
. HNO 2015; 63(6): 419-427.
In cooperation with the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (Institut fĂŒr QualitĂ€t und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen â IQWiG).
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# Conditions Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
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- ## Content
- [At a glance](https://gesund.bund.de/en/tinnitus#at-a-glance)
- [Definition](https://gesund.bund.de/en/tinnitus#definition)
- [Symptoms](https://gesund.bund.de/en/tinnitus#symptoms)
- [Causes](https://gesund.bund.de/en/tinnitus#causes)
- [Prevalence](https://gesund.bund.de/en/tinnitus#prevalence)
- [Outlook](https://gesund.bund.de/en/tinnitus#outlook)
- [Prevention](https://gesund.bund.de/en/tinnitus#prevention)
- [Diagnosis](https://gesund.bund.de/en/tinnitus#diagnosis)
- [Treatment](https://gesund.bund.de/en/tinnitus#treatment)
- [Sources](https://gesund.bund.de/en/tinnitus#sources)
ICD codes: [H93](https://gesund.bund.de/en/icd-code-search/h93) [What are ICD codes?](https://gesund.bund.de/en/what-are-icd-and-ops-codes "What are ICD codes?")
Whether itâs whistling, humming or buzzing, most people experience ringing in the ears from time to time, for example after a loud concert. But people with tinnitus hear constant noises without any apparent reason. This constant ringing in the ears can have a severe impact on the lives of those affected.
## At a glance
- Sounds in peopleâs ears can have many different causes. They are only very rarely a sign of a serious medical condition.
- Around 5 to 15 percent of all adults experience a longer-lasting episode of tinnitus at some point in their lives.
- It usually goes away on its own.
- Sometimes people develop tinnitus quite suddenly, but then it usually doesnât last for more than a minute.
- In some people, the sounds in the ear continue over a longer period of time.
- If tinnitus lasts longer than three months, it is considered to be chronic.
**Note:** The information in this article cannot and should not replace a medical consultation and must not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment.
![Tinnitus: woman holding a finger to her ear and looking skeptical.]()
## What is tinnitus?
Anyone who has been to a loud concert or exposed to very loud machine noise has sometimes experienced whistling, humming or a high-pitched buzzing sound in their ears afterwards. It usually goes away on its own. These kinds of sounds in the ear are also called tinnitus aurium or tinnitus, for short. They can have many different causes and are only very rarely a sign of a serious medical condition. Sometimes people develop tinnitus quite suddenly and for no known reason such as noise â but then it usually doesnât last for more than a minute.
In some people, the sounds in the ear continue over a longer period of time. If tinnitus lasts longer than three months, it is considered to be chronic.
![Tinnitus refers to sounds in the ear such as whistling, humming or cheeping.]()
Most people with tinnitus only have mild symptoms. Although the ringing in the ears is annoying, people can learn to live with it. Yet sometimes itâs so bad that their everyday lives and quality of life are severely affected. Severe tinnitus can lead many people to feel constant stress and it makes it hard to concentrate and sleep properly.
### Video What is tinnitus?
The video below explains what can trigger tinnitus and what symptoms can occur.
This and other videos can also be found on YouTube
[Watch now](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9rwNMAqRt8 "Youtube: What is tinnitus?")
The privacy policy indicated there applies.
## What are the symptoms of tinnitus?
The word tinnitus comes from Latin and means âringingâ. People with tinnitus can indeed hear a ringing in their ears. But they also hear sounds like whistling, buzzing, humming, hissing, clicking or knocking. Tinnitus may be present in only one or in both ears. Some people say it feels like the sound is coming from inside their head, whereas others say it sounds like it is coming from outside. Tinnitus may be constant or it may come and go. It is also sometimes very quiet and then really loud again.
Most people with tinnitus have normal hearing otherwise. Tinnitus can be, but isnât necessarily, associated with hearing loss.
## What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus is very often caused by loud [noise](https://gesund.bund.de/en/exposure-to-noise) that damages the sensory cells of the cochlea in the inner ear. Most of those affected have spent a lot of time in loud places or had what is known as an acoustic trauma. This is when your ears are briefly exposed to an extremely loud noise, such as an explosion or nearby gunshots.
Other possible causes of tinnitus include:
- a blocked ear (auditory) canal due to a build-up of ear wax
- a chronic middle ear infection
- a ruptured (perforated) eardrum
- otosclerosis: a bone disease in the middle ear and inner ear that can lead to hearing loss
- MĂ©niĂšreâs disease: a disease of the inner ear, causing symptoms such as tinnitus, vertigo and hearing loss
- problems affecting the muscles or joint of the jaw
Some medication can also cause ringing in the ears, for example very high doses of the pain medication acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Therefore it is important to pay attention to the correct dosage of medication.
For many people, though, no cause of tinnitus can be found. Doctors call this type of tinnitus âprimaryâ or âidiopathicâ tinnitus, after the Greek words âidiosâ (own) and âpathosâ (suffering).
It is not completely clear how and why hearing damage caused by loud sounds can lead to tinnitus. According to one of several theories, the damaged or irritated sensory cells in the cochlea can no longer send signals to the brain. The nerve cells in the brainâs center of hearing become more active and produce âphantom soundsâ anyway. This is similar to how phantom pain develops following amputation.
It is also debated whether tinnitus can be caused by stress. But there isnât a clear link. So far, relaxation techniques havenât been shown to have a direct impact on tinnitus.
## How common is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is quite common: around 5 to 15 percent of all adults experience a longer-lasting episode of tinnitus at some point in their lives. In about 10 to 20 percent of people who have tinnitus, the symptoms are so bad that they have a considerable impact on quality of life, and treatment is needed.
Tinnitus is most common in people over the age of 50, but in rare cases it can also affect children.
## How does tinnitus develop?
Nobody can predict the exact course of tinnitus. If the cause is known and treatable, it may soon go away again. If it isnât clear what is causing the tinnitus, it may continue and become chronic. Some peopleâs hearing becomes more sensitive too, which can be unpleasant in loud places (hyperacusis).
Chronic tinnitus can affect quality of life and lead to problems with sleep and concentration. If it gets very bad, some people may withdraw socially and go out less. This can sometimes even lead to depression or contribute to its development.
The problems and trouble caused by chronic tinnitus may also improve over the years.
## How can tinnitus be prevented?
It is generally always a good idea for people to protect themselves from noise and sounds that are too loud. Places with a lot of loud noise should be either avoided or visited only with protection like earplugs, for instance. This lowers the risk of developing tinnitus in the first place, or of existing tinnitus becoming chronic.
## How is tinnitus diagnosed?
In order to diagnose tinnitus, the doctor first asks about the symptoms: what sounds the person hears exactly, in what situations they hear them, and whether they are accompanied by other symptoms such as earache or a feeling of pressure in the ear. Can medication be taken and in what dosage?
In primary (idiopathic) tinnitus, i.e. tinnitus with no identifiable cause, both ears are usually affected. If the sounds are only heard in one ear and are accompanied by other symptoms such as earache, the tinnitus is likely to have a specific cause which is usually treatable.
To diagnose tinnitus, the talk with the doctor is usually followed by an ear examination and a hearing test. It may be a good idea for the person to have a dental examination to rule out any problems with their jaw.
Based on the outcomes of the doctorâs examination, he or she will determine which type of tinnitus the person has. Doctors distinguish between the following types of tinnitus:
- Subjective and objective tinnitus: subjective tinnitus can only be heard or perceived by the person who has it. Possible causes include problems with the auditory (hearing) system or the nerves that belong to it. In objective tinnitus, which is very rare, it can be caused by pulsing noises from a narrowed blood vessel, for instance. The doctor can also hear the sounds with their stethoscope.
- Primary and secondary tinnitus: if no clear cause can be found, it is referred to as primary or idiopathic tinnitus. If there is an identifiable cause, it is known as secondary tinnitus. Possible causes include a perforated eardrum or a vascular (blood vessel) disease.
- Acute and chronic tinnitus: if the sounds last longer than three months, it is considered to be chronic tinnitus.
- Various levels of severity: for some people, tinnitus may have little to no effect on daily life or only occur from time to time. For others, however, it can be very severe, especially if they suffer clearly audible noises in their ears on a permanent basis. This can have a major impact on peopleâs daily lives and work, for instance because it is hard to sleep or concentrate properly.
## How is tinnitus treated?
The treatment options for tinnitus will depend on the cause. If there is a specific underlying condition, this is then treated â for instance with medication to lower [blood pressure](https://gesund.bund.de/bluthochdruck). If treatment of the condition causing it is successful, the tinnitus will usually go away.
However, it is harder to treat tinnitus if the cause is unknown. The main aim of treatment is then to reduce the symptoms and find ways to cope well in everyday life despite having tinnitus. If the tinnitus is associated with hearing loss, a hearing aid might be considered.
A wide variety of products are available for the treatment of tinnitus, including herbal products, dietary supplements and various medications such as steroids or carbamazepine. None of these treatments have been proven to help. And some may have side effects.
The best-studied treatment is [cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)](https://gesund.bund.de/verhaltenstherapie), in which sufferers learn how to cope better with chronic tinnitus. Although this doesnât make the sounds go away, it can lead to an improvement in quality of life.
If tinnitus arises suddenly, doctors often suggest immediate treatment with an infusion (a drip), for instance with a saline (salt) solution â particularly if the tinnitus is associated with sudden hearing loss. Sometimes people are given an infusion with hydroxyethyl starch (HES) instead. But no studies have shown that infusions with this drug help. On the contrary, HES can trigger severe allergic reactions, with itching all over the body.
For more detailed information, such as which treatments help with tinnitus and which donât, visit [gesundheitsinformation.de.](https://www.gesundheitsinformation.de/was-hilft-bei-chronischem-tinnitus-und-was-nicht.html)
## Sources
- Deutsche Gesellschaft fĂŒr Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Hals-Chirurgie (DGHNO-KHC). [Chronischer Tinnitus (S3-Leitlinie)](https://register.awmf.org/assets/guidelines/017-064l_S3_Chronischer_Tinnitus_2021-09_1.pdf). AWMF-Registernr.: 017-064. 2021.
- Fuller T, Cima R, Langguth B et al. [Cognitive behavioural therapy for tinnitus](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31912887). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; (1): CD012614.
- Kreuzer PM, Vielsmeier V, Langguth B. [Chronic tinnitus: an interdisciplinary challenge](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23671468). Dtsch Arztebl Int 2013; 110(16): 278-284.
- Person OC, Puga ME, da Silva EM et al. [Zinc supplementation for tinnitus.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27879981) Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; (11): CD009832.
- Phillips JS, McFerran DJ, Hall DA et al. [The natural history of subjective tinnitus in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of no-intervention periods in controlled trials](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28425615). Laryngoscope 2018; 128(1): 217-227.
- Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). [Hörstörungen und Tinnitus](https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/GesundAZ/H/Hoerstoerungen_Tinnitus/Hoerstoerungen_Tinnitus_inhalt.html?cms_box=2&cms_current=H%C3%B6rst%C3%B6rungen+und+Tinnitus&cms_lv2=13000258). 2020.
- Savage J, Waddell A. [Tinnitus](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25328113). BMJ Clin Evid 2014: pii: 0506.
- Yew KS. [Diagnostic approach to patients with tinnitus](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24444578). Am Fam Physician 2014; 89(2): 106-113.
- Zenner HP, Delb W, Kröner-Herwig B et al. [Zur interdisziplinĂ€ren S3-Leitlinie fĂŒr die Therapie des chronischen-idiopathischen Tinnitus \[On the interdisciplinary S3 guidelines for the treatment of chronic idiopathic tinnitus\]](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26054729). HNO 2015; 63(6): 419-427.
In cooperation with the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (Institut fĂŒr QualitĂ€t und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen â IQWiG).
As at:
08/28/2024
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| Readable Markdown | Whether itâs whistling, humming or buzzing, most people experience ringing in the ears from time to time, for example after a loud concert. But people with tinnitus hear constant noises without any apparent reason. This constant ringing in the ears can have a severe impact on the lives of those affected.
## At a glance
- Sounds in peopleâs ears can have many different causes. They are only very rarely a sign of a serious medical condition.
- Around 5 to 15 percent of all adults experience a longer-lasting episode of tinnitus at some point in their lives.
- It usually goes away on its own.
- Sometimes people develop tinnitus quite suddenly, but then it usually doesnât last for more than a minute.
- In some people, the sounds in the ear continue over a longer period of time.
- If tinnitus lasts longer than three months, it is considered to be chronic.
**Note:** The information in this article cannot and should not replace a medical consultation and must not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment.
## What is tinnitus?
Anyone who has been to a loud concert or exposed to very loud machine noise has sometimes experienced whistling, humming or a high-pitched buzzing sound in their ears afterwards. It usually goes away on its own. These kinds of sounds in the ear are also called tinnitus aurium or tinnitus, for short. They can have many different causes and are only very rarely a sign of a serious medical condition. Sometimes people develop tinnitus quite suddenly and for no known reason such as noise â but then it usually doesnât last for more than a minute.
In some people, the sounds in the ear continue over a longer period of time. If tinnitus lasts longer than three months, it is considered to be chronic.
Most people with tinnitus only have mild symptoms. Although the ringing in the ears is annoying, people can learn to live with it. Yet sometimes itâs so bad that their everyday lives and quality of life are severely affected. Severe tinnitus can lead many people to feel constant stress and it makes it hard to concentrate and sleep properly.
### Video What is tinnitus?
The video below explains what can trigger tinnitus and what symptoms can occur.
This and other videos can also be found on YouTube
[Watch now](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9rwNMAqRt8 "Youtube: What is tinnitus?")
The privacy policy indicated there applies.
## What are the symptoms of tinnitus?
The word tinnitus comes from Latin and means âringingâ. People with tinnitus can indeed hear a ringing in their ears. But they also hear sounds like whistling, buzzing, humming, hissing, clicking or knocking. Tinnitus may be present in only one or in both ears. Some people say it feels like the sound is coming from inside their head, whereas others say it sounds like it is coming from outside. Tinnitus may be constant or it may come and go. It is also sometimes very quiet and then really loud again.
Most people with tinnitus have normal hearing otherwise. Tinnitus can be, but isnât necessarily, associated with hearing loss.
Tinnitus is very often caused by loud [noise](https://gesund.bund.de/en/exposure-to-noise) that damages the sensory cells of the cochlea in the inner ear. Most of those affected have spent a lot of time in loud places or had what is known as an acoustic trauma. This is when your ears are briefly exposed to an extremely loud noise, such as an explosion or nearby gunshots.
Other possible causes of tinnitus include:
- a blocked ear (auditory) canal due to a build-up of ear wax
- a chronic middle ear infection
- a ruptured (perforated) eardrum
- otosclerosis: a bone disease in the middle ear and inner ear that can lead to hearing loss
- MĂ©niĂšreâs disease: a disease of the inner ear, causing symptoms such as tinnitus, vertigo and hearing loss
- problems affecting the muscles or joint of the jaw
Some medication can also cause ringing in the ears, for example very high doses of the pain medication acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Therefore it is important to pay attention to the correct dosage of medication.
For many people, though, no cause of tinnitus can be found. Doctors call this type of tinnitus âprimaryâ or âidiopathicâ tinnitus, after the Greek words âidiosâ (own) and âpathosâ (suffering).
It is not completely clear how and why hearing damage caused by loud sounds can lead to tinnitus. According to one of several theories, the damaged or irritated sensory cells in the cochlea can no longer send signals to the brain. The nerve cells in the brainâs center of hearing become more active and produce âphantom soundsâ anyway. This is similar to how phantom pain develops following amputation.
It is also debated whether tinnitus can be caused by stress. But there isnât a clear link. So far, relaxation techniques havenât been shown to have a direct impact on tinnitus.
## How common is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is quite common: around 5 to 15 percent of all adults experience a longer-lasting episode of tinnitus at some point in their lives. In about 10 to 20 percent of people who have tinnitus, the symptoms are so bad that they have a considerable impact on quality of life, and treatment is needed.
Tinnitus is most common in people over the age of 50, but in rare cases it can also affect children.
## How does tinnitus develop?
Nobody can predict the exact course of tinnitus. If the cause is known and treatable, it may soon go away again. If it isnât clear what is causing the tinnitus, it may continue and become chronic. Some peopleâs hearing becomes more sensitive too, which can be unpleasant in loud places (hyperacusis).
Chronic tinnitus can affect quality of life and lead to problems with sleep and concentration. If it gets very bad, some people may withdraw socially and go out less. This can sometimes even lead to depression or contribute to its development.
The problems and trouble caused by chronic tinnitus may also improve over the years.
## How can tinnitus be prevented?
It is generally always a good idea for people to protect themselves from noise and sounds that are too loud. Places with a lot of loud noise should be either avoided or visited only with protection like earplugs, for instance. This lowers the risk of developing tinnitus in the first place, or of existing tinnitus becoming chronic.
## How is tinnitus diagnosed?
In order to diagnose tinnitus, the doctor first asks about the symptoms: what sounds the person hears exactly, in what situations they hear them, and whether they are accompanied by other symptoms such as earache or a feeling of pressure in the ear. Can medication be taken and in what dosage?
In primary (idiopathic) tinnitus, i.e. tinnitus with no identifiable cause, both ears are usually affected. If the sounds are only heard in one ear and are accompanied by other symptoms such as earache, the tinnitus is likely to have a specific cause which is usually treatable.
To diagnose tinnitus, the talk with the doctor is usually followed by an ear examination and a hearing test. It may be a good idea for the person to have a dental examination to rule out any problems with their jaw.
Based on the outcomes of the doctorâs examination, he or she will determine which type of tinnitus the person has. Doctors distinguish between the following types of tinnitus:
- Subjective and objective tinnitus: subjective tinnitus can only be heard or perceived by the person who has it. Possible causes include problems with the auditory (hearing) system or the nerves that belong to it. In objective tinnitus, which is very rare, it can be caused by pulsing noises from a narrowed blood vessel, for instance. The doctor can also hear the sounds with their stethoscope.
- Primary and secondary tinnitus: if no clear cause can be found, it is referred to as primary or idiopathic tinnitus. If there is an identifiable cause, it is known as secondary tinnitus. Possible causes include a perforated eardrum or a vascular (blood vessel) disease.
- Acute and chronic tinnitus: if the sounds last longer than three months, it is considered to be chronic tinnitus.
- Various levels of severity: for some people, tinnitus may have little to no effect on daily life or only occur from time to time. For others, however, it can be very severe, especially if they suffer clearly audible noises in their ears on a permanent basis. This can have a major impact on peopleâs daily lives and work, for instance because it is hard to sleep or concentrate properly.
## How is tinnitus treated?
The treatment options for tinnitus will depend on the cause. If there is a specific underlying condition, this is then treated â for instance with medication to lower [blood pressure](https://gesund.bund.de/bluthochdruck). If treatment of the condition causing it is successful, the tinnitus will usually go away.
However, it is harder to treat tinnitus if the cause is unknown. The main aim of treatment is then to reduce the symptoms and find ways to cope well in everyday life despite having tinnitus. If the tinnitus is associated with hearing loss, a hearing aid might be considered.
A wide variety of products are available for the treatment of tinnitus, including herbal products, dietary supplements and various medications such as steroids or carbamazepine. None of these treatments have been proven to help. And some may have side effects.
The best-studied treatment is [cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)](https://gesund.bund.de/verhaltenstherapie), in which sufferers learn how to cope better with chronic tinnitus. Although this doesnât make the sounds go away, it can lead to an improvement in quality of life.
If tinnitus arises suddenly, doctors often suggest immediate treatment with an infusion (a drip), for instance with a saline (salt) solution â particularly if the tinnitus is associated with sudden hearing loss. Sometimes people are given an infusion with hydroxyethyl starch (HES) instead. But no studies have shown that infusions with this drug help. On the contrary, HES can trigger severe allergic reactions, with itching all over the body.
For more detailed information, such as which treatments help with tinnitus and which donât, visit [gesundheitsinformation.de.](https://www.gesundheitsinformation.de/was-hilft-bei-chronischem-tinnitus-und-was-nicht.html)
- Deutsche Gesellschaft fĂŒr Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Hals-Chirurgie (DGHNO-KHC). [Chronischer Tinnitus (S3-Leitlinie)](https://register.awmf.org/assets/guidelines/017-064l_S3_Chronischer_Tinnitus_2021-09_1.pdf). AWMF-Registernr.: 017-064. 2021.
- Fuller T, Cima R, Langguth B et al. [Cognitive behavioural therapy for tinnitus](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31912887). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; (1): CD012614.
- Kreuzer PM, Vielsmeier V, Langguth B. [Chronic tinnitus: an interdisciplinary challenge](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23671468). Dtsch Arztebl Int 2013; 110(16): 278-284.
- Person OC, Puga ME, da Silva EM et al. [Zinc supplementation for tinnitus.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27879981) Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; (11): CD009832.
- Phillips JS, McFerran DJ, Hall DA et al. [The natural history of subjective tinnitus in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of no-intervention periods in controlled trials](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28425615). Laryngoscope 2018; 128(1): 217-227.
- Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). [Hörstörungen und Tinnitus](https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/GesundAZ/H/Hoerstoerungen_Tinnitus/Hoerstoerungen_Tinnitus_inhalt.html?cms_box=2&cms_current=H%C3%B6rst%C3%B6rungen+und+Tinnitus&cms_lv2=13000258). 2020.
- Savage J, Waddell A. [Tinnitus](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25328113). BMJ Clin Evid 2014: pii: 0506.
- Yew KS. [Diagnostic approach to patients with tinnitus](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24444578). Am Fam Physician 2014; 89(2): 106-113.
- Zenner HP, Delb W, Kröner-Herwig B et al. [Zur interdisziplinĂ€ren S3-Leitlinie fĂŒr die Therapie des chronischen-idiopathischen Tinnitus \[On the interdisciplinary S3 guidelines for the treatment of chronic idiopathic tinnitus\]](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26054729). HNO 2015; 63(6): 419-427.
In cooperation with the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (Institut fĂŒr QualitĂ€t und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen â IQWiG).
As at: 08/28/2024 |
| Shard | 133 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 2033775429537202133 |
| Unparsed URL | de,bund!gesund,/en/tinnitus s443 |