Tinnitus Symptoms and Causes
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present, often described as ringing, buzzing, humming, whistling, or clicking in one or both ears.
It’s not a disease itself, but a symptom of an underlying condition affecting the hearing system. Nearly 1 in 5 adults experience tinnitus at some point in their lives, and while it can be frustrating, effective treatments are available.
At Al Barakat Hearing Centers, our audiologists specialize in tinnitus assessment and therapy, helping patients manage symptoms and improve quality of life through our cutting-edge technology Signia & Rexton Tinnitus Hearing aids.
How Tinnitus Happens
Tinnitus occurs when there’s disruption or damage to the auditory system, the ear, hearing nerve, or the brain’s sound-processing center.
When the ear doesn’t receive normal sound input (due to hearing loss or injury), the brain may create its own “phantom sounds.” Think of it as your brain “filling in the silence.”
[Image of the neural pathways from the ear to the brain's auditory cortex]
Common Causes of Tinnitus
Understanding the cause is the first step toward relief.
1. Hearing Loss
The most frequent cause of tinnitus. When the tiny hair cells in the inner ear are damaged (due to age, noise, or illness), the brain compensates by producing internal sounds.
2. Noise Exposure
Loud sounds from concerts, construction, or headphones can cause permanent ear damage. Even short exposure to intense noise can trigger tinnitus.
Prevention Tip: Always use ear protection in noisy environments and limit headphone use.
3. Earwax Blockage
Excess earwax can trap sound waves and irritate the eardrum, causing temporary tinnitus.
4. Medications (Ototoxic Drugs)
Certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, painkillers, and diuretics can cause tinnitus as a side effect. Always inform your doctor if ringing begins after starting a new medication.
5. Medical Conditions
Several health problems can contribute to tinnitus, including:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Ear infections or eardrum damage
- Jaw (TMJ) problems or neck tension
When to See a Specialist
You should schedule a tinnitus evaluation if you experience:
- •Persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming in the ears
- •Tinnitus in one ear only
- •Hearing loss or difficulty understanding speech
- •Dizziness or ear fullness
Our audiologists at Al Barakat Hearing Centers use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the cause and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Why Choose Al Barakat Hearing Centers
Expert Diagnosis
Certified audiologists experienced in tinnitus diagnosis and therapy
Advanced Technology
Access to advanced Signia and Rexton hearing technology
Personalized Plans
Personalized tinnitus management plans
Long-term Success
Follow-up care and counseling for long-term success
We serve patients across Riyadh, Jeddah, and all major cities in Saudi Arabia, providing world-class hearing and tinnitus care.
The First Step is a Tinnitus Audit
Our audiologists use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the cause and develop a personalized treatment plan for patients across Riyadh, Jeddah, and all major cities in Saudi Arabia.
Schedule Your Tinnitus Evaluation