What causes persistent tinnitus?
Aug 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
If tinnitus persists, the following conditions should be considered:
1. The most common cause is cerumen impaction—a large mass of earwax. When water enters the ear, the cerumen swells and softens, exerting pressure on the tympanic membrane; alternatively, earwax may be inadvertently pushed deeper into the ear canal during attempted removal.
2. Otitis media with effusion. This condition results from obstruction of the Eustachian tube (auditory tube), the passageway connecting the nose and the middle ear.
Tinnitus is an abnormal signal emitted by the body. Chronic tinnitus can lead to dizziness and hearing loss. Therefore, if you experience symptoms of tinnitus, it is essential to seek medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital. So, what causes persistent tinnitus?
What Causes Persistent Tinnitus?
If tinnitus persists, the following conditions should be considered: First, the most common cause is cerumen impaction—a large accumulation of earwax. When water enters the ear canal, the cerumen may swell and soften, exerting pressure on the tympanic membrane; alternatively, attempts to remove earwax may inadvertently push it deeper into the ear.
Second, otitis media with effusion (OME). OME results from obstruction of the Eustachian tube—the passageway connecting the nose and middle ear—and may be accompanied by a sensation of ear fullness. The tinnitus associated with OME is typically described as a “whooshing” or “rumbling” sound. Treatment options include oral anti-inflammatory medications and mucolytic agents—such as Sinuair (carbocisteine) or Guaifenesin.
Neurological (sensorineural) tinnitus may occur with or without concomitant hearing loss and generally requires neurotrophic and vasodilatory medications. Hearing tests are necessary to further differentiate tinnitus caused by otitis media with effusion from that caused by sensorineural pathology.
Acute otitis media can also cause tinnitus; however, most cases present with ear pain or purulent otorrhea and respond to anti-inflammatory medications or topical ear drops. Tumors involving the middle ear cavity or mastoid process are rare and require further evaluation via temporal bone CT imaging. Additionally, cardiovascular disease and cervical spondylosis may contribute to tinnitus. We hope this information proves helpful!
