Causes of Tinnitus

Causes of tinnitus

The exact cause of tinnitus is not known, but there are a number of theories about the underlying factors that may precipitate it:

Alcohol

Alcohol can cause a variety of "ringing in the ears", tinnitus symptoms, especially at night after drinking the alcohol.

Caffeine

Caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks) can cause a variety of "ringing in the ears", tinnitus symptoms, especially at night after eating/drinking the caffeine containing foods/drinks.

Ear wax

An excessive amount of ear wax in the ear can also be responsible for causing "ringing in the ears" and other symptoms of tinnitus.

Medications

There are a number of medications which are thought to cause the "ringing in the ears" symptoms of tinnitus. The most common medications to do this are: antibiotics, aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medications, but any other medications may also cause the same tinnitus symptoms. In addition to this, salicylate foods (ie tomatoes and foods with artificial additives) can also cause tinnitus symptoms.

Nutritional deficiency

Some experts believe that there are a number of nutritional deficiencies that can precipitate tinnitus symptoms or make them much worse. A deficiency in the following are the nutrients most commonly thought to be responsible: folic acid (folate), manganese, vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) and zinc.

Prolonged exposure to loud noise

Any exposure to any type of loud noises for prolonged periods of time can cause tinnitus symptoms. The loud noises most commonly responsible for tinnitus from this cause are: construction noise, drilling and loud music.

Smoking

Cigarette smoking and also prolonged exposure to second hand smoke can both precipitate tinnitus symptoms and cause worsening of symptoms in existing condition.

Viral infection

Any type of viral infection of the ear (particularly labyrinthitis) can cause tinnitus symptoms. Allergic labyrinthitis (an allergic inflammation of the middle ear) can present as tinnitus and unless the allergens are avoided it can continue unabated.

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Last reviewed: 18 February 2009 || Last updated: 12 December 2009

Antioxidants (glossary)
Asthma (conditions)
Betacarotene (vitamins)
Bioflavonoids (vitamins)
Bronchitis (conditions)
Co-enzyme Q10 (nutrients)
Essential fatty acids (nutrients)
Folic acid (vitamins)
Glutathione (amino acids)
Hypertension (conditions)
Magnesium (minerals)
Manganese (minerals)
Omega 3 fatty acids (glossary)
Quercetin (nutrients)
Taurine (amino acids)
Tryptophan (amino acids)
Vitamin A (vitamins)
Vitamin B12 (vitamins)
Vitamin C (vitamins)
Vitamin E (vitamins)
Zinc (minerals)

NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.

Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.

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