What could be the reason for recently experiencing tinnitus?

Nov 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, recent onset of tinnitus may be caused by factors such as mental stress and anxiety, prolonged exposure to loud noise, external otitis, sudden sensorineural hearing loss, or acoustic neuroma. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, it is important to protect the ears, avoid using sharp objects to clean the ear canal, and prevent water from entering the ear during bathing.

Generally, recent onset of tinnitus may be caused by factors such as mental stress and anxiety, prolonged exposure to noise, external otitis, sudden sensorineural hearing loss, or acoustic neuroma. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Mental stress and anxiety: Long-term excessive pressure or emotional fluctuations can disrupt nervous system regulation and trigger tinnitus. Maintaining regular sleep patterns, avoiding staying up late, engaging in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily, and using deep breathing or meditation techniques to relieve stress can help alleviate symptoms, which often resolve on their own.

2. Prolonged noise exposure: Frequent exposure to high-decibel environments can damage cochlear hair cells, leading to persistent tinnitus. Immediately avoid noisy environments, wear professional noise-canceling earplugs at work, reduce headphone usage in daily life, and keep volume levels below 50% of maximum capacity.

3. External otitis: Bacterial infection of the external auditory canal causes inflammation, which may stimulate tinnitus, often accompanied by ear pain and increased discharge. Patients may use medications such as ofloxacin otic solution, lomefloxacin hydrochloride otic solution, or cefradine capsules according to medical advice.

4. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss: Caused by impaired inner ear blood circulation or viral infection, tinnitus is often the first symptom, accompanied by a sudden drop in hearing. Early treatment is essential. Medications such as ginkgo leaf extract injection, mecobalamin tablets, or dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection may be used as directed by a physician.

5. Acoustic neuroma: A benign tumor originating from the sheath of the auditory nerve; as the tumor grows, it compresses the auditory nerve, causing tinnitus along with hearing loss and dizziness. Treatment may involve surgical removal of the acoustic neuroma to relieve nerve compression and improve tinnitus and hearing problems.

In daily life, it is important to protect the ears—avoid cleaning ears with sharp objects and prevent water from entering the ear canal during bathing. Maintain a light diet, reduce intake of high-salt and high-fat foods, and consume more fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins to support ear health.