{"id":31227,"date":"2022-09-23T18:21:08","date_gmt":"2022-09-23T22:21:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elevateaudiology.com\/?p=31227"},"modified":"2022-09-23T18:22:05","modified_gmt":"2022-09-23T22:22:05","slug":"unusual-causes-of-tinnitus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elevateaudiology.com\/unusual-causes-of-tinnitus\/","title":{"rendered":"Unusual Causes of Tinnitus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you hear a ringing, roaring, hissing, whistling, buzzing or humming sound in the ear with no external source when out with friends at Jimmy\u2019s Family Restaurant<\/a>, this is known as tinnitus<\/a>. While tinnitus can feel like an isolating experience, it\u2019s actually quite common. According to the American Tinnitus Association<\/a>, 25 million Americans experience some form of tinnitus, 5 million Americans struggle with chronic, burdensome tinnitus and 2 million find it debilitating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uncovering the underlying cause of your tinnitus is key to getting appropriate treatment. Below we review four unusual causes of tinnitus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earwax Buildup<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Earwax, known medically as cerumen, is a substance naturally produced by the ear canal. It comprises oil, sweat, dead skin cells and dirt. Earwax has several important jobs: trapping dirt and bacteria that enters the ear, moisturizing the skin in the ear canal to prevent irritation and acting as a natural insect repellent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While earwax is an essential part of a healthy ear, sometimes it can build up and become impacted. In some cases, this can lead to tinnitus<\/a>. A professional at Elevate Audiology<\/span> can safely remove impacted earwax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medications <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If a medication negatively affects the auditory system, it is said to be ototoxic. There are more than 200 prescription and over-the-counter medications known to be ototoxic. Common ones are aspirin in high doses, certain antibiotics, antidepressants and chemotherapy drugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you started a new medication and are experiencing bothersome tinnitus, talk to your provider about finding an alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dental Problems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tinnitus is sometimes caused by problems outside the auditory system, like dental problems. A common cause of phantom sounds in the ears is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. This disorder can cause popping and clicking sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this sounds like you, see your dentist and talk to them about getting a night guard or dental orthotic device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head Injury<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve suffered from a head injury from a car accident, sports collision or another traumatic event, it can also lead to tinnitus. Tinnitus following a head injury may be a symptom of a biomechanical problem of the head, neck or jaw, so you should talk to a health care provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To prevent tinnitus caused by a head injury, be sure to wear a helmet when riding a bike, playing high-contact sports and working a high-risk job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Elevate Audiology<\/span> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n