Tinnitus Causes & Risk Factors

Whilst we know what conditions may lead to tinnitus, it is difficult to say what may be the absolute cause in each case. Some common contributors to tinnitus include:

• Noise exposure
  Prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage the tiny sensory hair cells in your ear that transmit sound to your brain. People who work in noisy environments — such as factory and construction workers, musicians, and soldiers — are particularly at risk.
• Stress
  Tinnitus is more than doubly prevalent in persons who are under stress or are burnt out than in other people.
• Earwax
  Blockages of the ear due to a build-up of wax.
• Age
  The natural aging process, which can cause deterioration of the cochlea or other parts of the ear.
• Medical Conditions
  Other medical conditions such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, circulatory problems, anaemia, allergies, an underactive thyroid gland and diabetes.

Risk Factors

• Age
  As you age, the number of functioning nerve fibres in your ears declines, possibly causing hearing problems often associated with tinnitus.
• Gender
  Men are more likely to experience tinnitus.
• Smoking
  Smokers have a higher risk of developing tinnitus.
• Cardiovascular Problems
   Conditions that affect your blood flow, such as high blood pressure or narrowed arteries (atherosclerosis), can increase your risk of tinnitus.

For more information, download our tinnitus booklet.