What causes tinnitus recently?

Recently, my tinnitus has become severe—my ears constantly buzz, sometimes accompanied by dizziness, and I even perceive echoes when others speak. This has significantly disrupted my daily life. So, what could be causing this recent onset of tinnitus?

What Causes Recent-Onset Tinnitus?

Tinnitus has multiple potential causes, including foreign bodies in the external auditory canal, impacted cerumen (earwax), middle ear effusion, acoustic neuroma, otosclerosis, Ménière’s disease, and vascular malformations. In summary, individuals experiencing tinnitus should seek evaluation promptly at a reputable hospital’s Department of Otolaryngology (ENT). Medically, tinnitus refers to the perception of abnormal sound within the ear. Typically, this sound is subjective—perceived only by the patient and inaudible to others—termed *subjective tinnitus*. Rarely, both the patient and others can hear the sound, which is termed *objective tinnitus*.

To prevent tinnitus, it is essential to maintain healthy lifestyle habits. Avoid excessive fatigue, staying up late, or emotional stress (e.g., anxiety or anger), all of which may trigger spasm of the internal auditory artery supplying the cochlea, leading to compromised inner ear blood flow—and potentially resulting in tinnitus or even hearing loss.

It is also important to reduce unhealthy habits such as heavy smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and high-fat diets—particularly foods rich in saturated fats. These factors, especially in individuals with obesity, impair systemic circulation and may exacerbate tinnitus. Therefore, tinnitus prevention begins with small, everyday measures—including conscientious ear hygiene. We hope this information proves helpful to you.