What does it mean if tinnitus keeps occurring?

Frequent tinnitus may be caused by lack of sleep, high mental stress, external otitis, otitis media, or Ménière’s disease. It can be improved through adjusting sleep schedules, relieving emotional stress, proper local ear care, and medication. If tinnitus lasts longer than one week or is accompanied by hearing loss, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Sleep deprivation: Chronic late-night habits and poor sleep quality can impair blood circulation in the inner ear, leading to persistent tinnitus, often perceived as a constant buzzing or cicada-like sound. It is recommended to maintain a regular sleep schedule, ensure 7–8 hours of sleep per night, and avoid using mobile phones or staying up late before bedtime.

2. High mental stress: Prolonged anxiety and tension can disrupt nervous system regulation and trigger tinnitus, possibly accompanied by dizziness and irritability. Stress relief through physical exercise, listening to calming music, maintaining emotional stability, and avoiding excessive mental strain are recommended.

3. External otitis: Bacterial or fungal infection of the ear canal causes inflammation that irritates the mucous membrane, resulting in tinnitus along with itching and increased ear discharge. Patients may use ofloxacin otic solution, lomefloxacin hydrochloride otic solution, or cephalexin capsules under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.

4. Otitis media: Infection-induced inflammation in the middle ear stimulates the eardrum and ossicles, causing tinnitus accompanied by ear pain, a feeling of fullness, and mild hearing loss. It is advisable to take amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium dispersible tablets, cefuroxime axetil capsules, or phenol glycerin ear drops under a doctor's supervision to relieve discomfort.

5. Ménière’s disease: Abnormal metabolism of inner ear lymph leads to endolymphatic hydrops and tinnitus, typically a low-frequency humming sound, accompanied by vertigo and a sensation of ear fullness. Patients may follow medical advice to take betahistine tablets, difenidol tablets, or hydrochlorothiazide tablets to improve symptoms.

Maintain clean and dry ears, avoid frequent ear picking and prolonged headphone use, stay away from noisy environments, eat a light diet low in spicy foods, and engage in moderate exercise to strengthen overall health and support recovery of ear function.