What Causes Tinnitus?

Tinnitus has many possible contributors, so a useful guide should avoid treating every case as identical.

Common associations

NIDCD identifies hearing loss, noise exposure, certain medications, earwax or ear infection, head or neck injuries and jaw-joint problems among possible associations. In some cases, the underlying cause is not clear.

Why evaluation can matter

Features such as pulsatile tinnitus can prompt additional medical evaluation because clinicians may investigate structural or underlying medical causes.