What causes tinnitus in both ears?
Aug 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
There are numerous causes of bilateral tinnitus. Generally, tinnitus caused by disorders of the outer ear, middle ear, or inner ear is readily treatable. Bilateral tinnitus originating from the inner ear results from dysfunction of the auditory nerve, typically due to impaired microcirculation—such as ischemia, hypoxia, microthrombosis, or vasospasm—leading to reduced auditory nerve function. Conditions causing microcirculatory disturbances include cerebral infarction and cerebral arteriosclerosis.
Ear health is often overlooked, yet if you notice abnormalities in your hearing—such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or a sensation of ear fullness or blockage—you should pay close attention. So, what causes bilateral tinnitus?
What Causes Bilateral Tinnitus?
There are numerous potential causes of bilateral tinnitus. Generally, tinnitus resulting from disorders of the outer, middle, or inner ear is relatively easy to treat. Bilateral tinnitus originating in the inner ear typically stems from dysfunction of the auditory nerve, often due to microcirculatory disturbances—including ischemia, hypoxia, microthrombosis, or vascular spasm—that impair auditory nerve function. Conditions causing such microcirculatory impairment include cerebral infarction, cerebral arteriosclerosis, cerebral vasospasm or stenosis, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Additionally, certain structural abnormalities of the inner ear may also cause bilateral tinnitus—for example, acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) compression or enlarged vestibular aqueduct.
Individuals experiencing bilateral tinnitus are advised to first consult a healthcare provider to rule out organic (structural) pathology. Patients may also benefit from sound masking—listening to soothing music, for instance—to divert attention away from the tinnitus. For those whose sleep is affected, professionally fitted hearing aids or dedicated tinnitus maskers can be used; these devices generate gentle, low-level sounds that help mask the perception of tinnitus.
You can perform tympanic membrane massage. Place both palms over your ears simultaneously, then quickly remove them. Repeating this motion helps promote blood circulation in the ears and may alleviate tinnitus. You may also gently massage your ears—rubbing the auricle (outer ear), tragus, periauricular area, and earlobe—or cover your ears with both palms while lightly tapping the back of your head with your fingers. These techniques effectively stimulate nerve endings and improve local blood circulation, thereby helping to relieve tinnitus to some extent. We hope this information proves helpful!
