What are the causes of bothersome tinnitus?

Bothersome tinnitus may be caused by sleep deprivation, excessive mental stress, Ménière's disease, otitis media, or neurogenic tinnitus. It can be improved through catching up on sleep, emotional regulation, and medication. If tinnitus lasts longer than one week or is accompanied by hearing loss or dizziness, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Sleep deprivation: Chronic late nights and poor sleep quality can lead to nervous system dysregulation, resulting in persistent tinnitus, along with fatigue and difficulty concentrating. It is recommended to maintain a regular sleep schedule, ensure 7–8 hours of sleep per night, avoid electronic devices before bedtime, and create a quiet sleeping environment.

2. High mental stress: Prolonged anxiety and tension can cause autonomic nervous system dysfunction, impairing inner ear blood circulation and triggering tinnitus, often accompanied by palpitations and insomnia. Emotional regulation through exercise and meditation is advised, along with reducing psychological burden; psychological counseling should be sought when necessary.

3. Ménière's disease: Abnormal metabolism of inner ear lymph leads to endolymphatic hydrops, causing tinnitus, frequently accompanied by vertigo, aural fullness, and fluctuating hearing loss. Patients may take medications such as betahistine tablets, hydrochlorothiazide tablets, and mecobalamin tablets under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.

4. Otitis media: Bacterial or viral infections cause inflammation in the middle ear, disrupting auditory conduction and leading to tinnitus, often associated with ear pain and increased ear discharge. Treatment may include cefuroxime axetil tablets, ofloxacin ear drops, and amoxicillin capsules, used under a doctor’s supervision to relieve symptoms.

5. Neurogenic tinnitus: Damage to inner ear nerve cells or abnormalities in neural conduction result in persistent tinnitus, typically perceived as a buzzing or cicada-like sound. Patients may follow medical advice to use ginkgo biloba extract tablets, vitamin B12 tablets, or flunarizine capsules to improve symptoms.

Maintain a regular routine and avoid staying up late; eat a light diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods; stay away from noisy environments to reduce auditory stimulation; engage in moderate exercise to promote blood circulation; maintain a positive mood; and practice proper ear protection to help relieve tinnitus.