What causes sudden tinnitus?

Jun 26, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

In general, sudden tinnitus may be caused by factors such as stress and fatigue, unhealthy lifestyle habits, otitis media (middle ear infection), sudden sensorineural hearing loss, or Ménière's disease. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and undergo treatment under a physician's guidance. In daily life, one should maintain good ear hygiene and avoid water entering the ears; avoid prolonged exposure to noisy environments; and schedule regular ear examinations to detect and treat potential ear problems early.

Generally, sudden tinnitus may be caused by stress and fatigue, unhealthy lifestyle habits, otitis media, sudden sensorineural hearing loss, or Ménière's disease. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and undergo treatment under a doctor's guidance. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Stress and Fatigue

Long-term excessive mental stress and extreme fatigue can disrupt autonomic nervous system function, affecting blood circulation and nerve conduction in the inner ear, leading to dysfunction of inner ear hair cells and causing tinnitus. It is important to schedule work and rest periods reasonably, avoid prolonged continuous work, maintain a positive mindset, and ensure sufficient sleep.

2. Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits

Habits such as frequent late-night activities, prolonged headphone use at high volumes, and excessive alcohol consumption may directly or indirectly damage the inner ear, resulting in sudden tinnitus. It is advisable to maintain regular作息 (作息 translates to作息 habits or作息 routine, but no direct English equivalent; contextually, it means maintaining a regular routine), control headphone usage time and volume, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

3. Otitis Media

Otitis media is often caused by bacteria or viruses spreading through the Eustachian tube to the middle ear. Inflammation irritates the middle ear mucosa, causing congestion, edema, and secretion production, which affects sound transmission and normal middle ear function, leading to tinnitus. Symptoms may also include ear pain, hearing loss, and ear discharge. Patients can use medications such as amoxicillin capsules, eucalyptus oil and pinene enteric-coated capsules, and ofloxacin ear drops under medical guidance.

4. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss may be related to factors such as inner ear vascular spasm or embolism. Impaired blood circulation in the inner ear or viral damage to the auditory nerve can lead to sudden hearing loss accompanied by tinnitus. Symptoms may also include dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as methylprednisolone tablets, ginkgo biloba extract tablets, and mecobalamin tablets.

5. Ménière's Disease

Ménière's disease may be associated with endolymphatic hydrops in the inner ear. The increased pressure due to endolymphatic hydrops affects auditory and balance functions, causing sudden tinnitus. It may also be accompanied by episodic vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, and a feeling of ear fullness. Patients can use medications such as diazepam tablets, hydrochlorothiazide tablets, and betahistine tablets under a doctor's recommendation.

In daily life, it is important to maintain ear hygiene and prevent water from entering the ears; avoid prolonged exposure to noisy environments; and undergo regular ear examinations for early detection and treatment of potential ear problems.

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