What Causes Tinnitus and How Is It Treated?
Aug 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
Tinnitus is caused by mental stress or fatigue. Emotional tension can disrupt hormonal balance in the body and impair the body’s regulatory capacity, ultimately leading to tinnitus. Pathological changes may also occur in the hypothalamus, frontal lobe, or autonomic nervous system, or tinnitus may result from disorders affecting other organs. Excessive fatigue or overconsumption of alcohol can likewise trigger tinnitus.
If you experience tinnitus frequently, you should remain vigilant and seek medical attention promptly—do not delay treatment, as this may lead to adverse consequences. So, what causes tinnitus, and how can it be treated?
Causes and Management of Tinnitus
Tinnitus can be triggered by mental stress or physical fatigue. Heightened emotional tension disrupts hormonal balance and impairs the body’s regulatory capacity, ultimately resulting in tinnitus. It may also stem from pathological changes in the hypothalamus, frontal lobe, or autonomic nervous system—or arise secondary to disorders affecting other organs. Excessive fatigue or alcohol consumption can provoke tinnitus, as can underlying conditions such as hypertension, anemia, kidney disease, or atherosclerosis. Prolonged exposure to loud noise is another common cause; chronic noise exposure damages the auditory nerve and may eventually lead to tinnitus.
Common treatment approaches for tinnitus include pharmacotherapy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), psychotherapy, and tinnitus masking therapy. Frequently prescribed medications aim to improve microcirculation and nourish neural tissue. In TCM practice, acupuncture or auricular point massage is commonly employed. Patients with tinnitus often suffer significant psychological distress; therefore, psychological counseling is essential to help them adapt positively and engage proactively in treatment. Tinnitus masking is another effective strategy: patients may listen to soft music via headphones during daily activities, or select a suitable tinnitus masker from specialized retailers.
During illness, attention should be paid to dietary habits—opt for light, easily digestible meals rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid smoking, alcohol, spicy foods, cold foods, and other irritants. Equally important is maintaining emotional calmness, learning to regulate one’s emotions, and preserving overall physical and mental well-being. We hope this information proves helpful. Wishing you good health and a joyful life!
