There are many risk factors for developing tinnitus.
Some, like smoking, you can control. Others, like getting older, you can't. Still other risks, like high traffic noise, are sometimes difficult to do much about.
These risk factors include:
Exposure to loud noises
Regular exposure to loud noises is known to be associated with both hearing loss and tinnitus. Ongoing exposure causes damage to the tiny hair cells in the inner ear that help transmit sound to your brain.
Advanced Age
As you get older, there is a decline in the number of functioning nerve fibers in your ears, which may lead to hearing problems and tinnitus.
Smoking
Smokers have a higher risk of developing tinnitus. It's not a direct correlation, but a kind of side effect from all the other bad stuff smoking does to your body: reduced blood circulation; harmful substances like nicotine and carbon monoxide generate oxidative stress; vascular disorders; and neurological effects.
Booze also increases the risk of tinnitus. It's a side effect from its impact on the inner ear, but the severity depends on how much you drink and your sensitivity.
Obesity
While obesity is associated with an increased risk of tinnitus, the exact reason for this is not clear. It's thought that being overweight may lead to changes in blood flow and inflammation, which can affect the inner ear and lead to tinnitus. Additionally, obesity can increase blood pressure, which can also contribute to tinnitus.
Cardiovascular problems
Cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure increase the risk of tinnitus. High blood pressure can cause changes in blood flow, which can affect the inner ear and lead to tinnitus.
A history of arthritis
While arthritis can cause inflammation in the joints, which may also affect the inner ear, it isn't usually a condition said to directly cause tinnitus. However, certain factors associated with arthritis may contribute to the development or exacerbation of tinnitus in some.
For example, people with arthritis usually take pain-relieving medications, some of which have side effects like tinnitus. Simply the stress of constant arthritic pain and discomfort can worsen tinnitus symptoms or make them more noticeable.
Some medications
Certain medications such as antibiotics, cancer drugs, and diuretics have been associated with tinnitus. Even common over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen have been found to be problematic, as have some toothpastes.
Head injury
Trauma to the head can injure the delicate structures of the inner ear or the auditory nerve, leading to abnormal electrical signals being sent to the brain. These abnormal signals can be perceived as the sensation of tinnitus.
Other risk factors exist too. Various health conditions such as insomnia, diabetes, thyroid problems, migraines, anemia, and autoimmune disorders have all been associated with tinnitus. It is important to note that anyone can experience tinnitus, but these factors may increase the risk.
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