Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a condition in which a person perceives sounds that are not caused by external noise sources. Symptoms range from ringing and whistling to humming or buzzing in the ear. These disturbing noises can be temporary or become chronic and last for a long period of time. The likelihood of developing tinnitus increases with age.

Causes of tinnitus

Tinnitus has a wide range of causes. For most people, a combination of factors lead to tinnitus.

Inner ear mitochondriopathy:
The mitochondria in the ear are extremely significant. Tinnitus occurs due to a dysfunction or loss of function of the mitochondria in the inner ear.
All causes that ultimately damage the mitochondria can contribute to the development of tinnitus.
You can find more information about impaired mitochondrial function in the article “Mitochondriopathy”.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction:
The symptoms of a functional disorder in the masticatory system are referred to as TMD/TMJ . A TMJ disorder can lead to tinnitus through muscular tension, compression and circulatory problems. TMJ disorders also increase overall stress, which further exacerbates the situation.

Previous mechanical damage to the inner ear:
Previous explosion trauma, long-term noise exposure, for example frequent visits to the club or injuries to the eardrum can lead to tinnitus.

Acoustic neuroma:
An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that can narrow the auditory nerve. This compression can lead to tinnitus.

Trauma to the cervical spine with disrupted blood-brain barrier:
Cervical spinal cord trauma or cervical spine injuries can lead to compression and problems of body statics, but also to an opening of the blood-brain barrier. Both can trigger or further aggravate tinnitus.

Treatment of tinnitus

Treatment for tinnitus varies depending on the cause and severity. It is important to clarify all causes in an interdisciplinary manner and to accompany the therapy together with experienced professionals.

The following treatments have proven effective for tinnitus:

Dr. med. Karsten Ostermann M.A.

Tinnitus can significantly impair quality of life and cause a great deal of suffering for those affected. With the right care and therapy, the causes can be specifically addressed in order to achieve an improvement.

Dr. Karsten Ostermann

Further information

The information listed contains relevant topics and serves to improve understanding.