What Causes Persistent Tinnitus?

Aug 24, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Xu Gang

Introduction

Prolonged tinnitus may result from otitis media or a foreign body in the ear, or it may be caused by disorders of the auditory system or systemic diseases. Insufficient rest or frequent late-night activity can also trigger tinnitus. Patients with severe tinnitus should promptly visit the Department of Otolaryngology at a hospital for relevant examinations to identify the precise underlying cause, followed by appropriate pharmacological treatment and careful attention to ear hygiene.

I constantly hear abnormal sounds in my ears, severely interfering with my hearing. This has begun to affect my studies, leading to a decline in academic performance. After visiting the hospital, I was diagnosed with tinnitus. What causes chronic tinnitus?

What Causes Chronic Tinnitus?

Chronic tinnitus may result from otitis media or foreign bodies in the ear, or it may stem from disorders of the auditory system or systemic diseases. Insufficient rest or frequent late-night activity can also trigger tinnitus. Patients with severe tinnitus should promptly visit an otolaryngology (ENT) department for relevant examinations to identify the precise underlying cause before initiating appropriate pharmacological treatment—and must maintain good ear hygiene.

If left untreated, chronic tinnitus may lead to progressive hearing loss—or even deafness. It can significantly disrupt sleep, especially at night when ambient noise is minimal and the perceived tinnitus becomes louder, making it difficult to fall asleep. Even if sleep is achieved, it tends to be very light and easily disturbed. Prolonged, severe tinnitus may provoke emotional disturbances such as irritability, worry, anxiety, and depression. Occupational impact: Difficulty understanding speech due to tinnitus greatly impairs communication, reduces work efficiency, and causes considerable distress.

Individuals with chronic tinnitus may benefit from consuming legumes—particularly soybeans—which are rich in iron and calcium. Calcium helps compensate for deficiencies in cochlear calcium metabolism, thereby alleviating tinnitus symptoms. Iron supplementation promotes capillary dilation and red blood cell softening, ensuring adequate blood supply to the ears and effectively helping prevent hearing deterioration.

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What Causes Long-Term Tinnitus?

The patient’s chronic tinnitus is influenced by multiple factors, including environmental exposures, lifestyle habits, and uncontrolled sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Specifically: 1. Environmental factors: Prolonged exposure to noisy environments—whether at work, home, or during study—can damage the inner ear and trigger tinnitus. 2. Lifestyle habits: Some patients develop tinnitus due to prolonged and excessive use of telephones or headphones.

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What Causes Chronic Tinnitus?

1. Neurasthenia: Tinnitus is also closely associated with social environment and psychological factors. Individuals experiencing depression or anxiety may develop tinnitus. Patients with neurasthenia frequently report tinnitus, which typically presents with variable pitch and is often bilateral, accompanied by symptoms such as headache, dizziness, insomnia, and vivid dreams. Additionally, in cases of physical debility, tinnitus may result from reduced vascular tone and inadequate local blood supply.

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What Causes Chronic Tinnitus?

If tinnitus persists for a prolonged period, it may originate from the central nervous system—specifically, the brain—or may be generated centrally within the brain itself. At this stage, proper self-care is essential: become attuned to your body’s signals, seek medical attention promptly, and undergo evaluation by an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) to identify the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment. Vasodilators may be prescribed; moreover, patients with chronic tinnitus may benefit from combination therapy using multiple vasodilators.