Tinnitus: Most Common Causes
Tinnitus is the perception of a sound — such as ringing, hissing, or buzzing — with no corresponding external sound source, and it can be perceived in one ear, both ears, or inside the head, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In most cases, it’s associated with some degree of hearing loss.
What the WHO says about tinnitus
According to the World Health Organization, tinnitus can be constant or intermittent, and is classified as:
- Acute: lasting less than 3 months
- Chronic: lasting longer than 3 months
When tinnitus comes with significant emotional distress or cognitive impairment, the WHO uses the term “tinnitus disorder” — a distinction between the symptom itself and the impact it has on a person’s life.
Tinnitus and hearing loss: a strong connection
According to the WHO, 90% of tinnitus cases occur together with some degree of hearing loss. Exposure to very loud sounds can damage the hair cells of the inner ear — structures responsible for converting sound into nerve signals — which can lead to both hearing loss and tinnitus, often at the same time.
Other possible causes of tinnitus
- Earwax buildup or outer ear infection, which affect the outermost part of the ear.
- Prolonged exposure to loud noise, at work, at concerts, or from headphones at high volume.
- Aging, associated with gradual hearing loss.
- Certain medications, which can have tinnitus as a side effect.
- Jaw joint (TMJ) disorders, which sometimes show up as tinnitus.
- Excess salt in the diet and smoking, identified as factors that can contribute to the condition.
Tinnitus associated with a clogged ear
Tinnitus commonly appears together with a clogged-ear feeling, especially when the cause involves earwax buildup or changes in middle-ear pressure. See more about this combination in clogged ear: what it could be.
What to do about tinnitus
- Avoid exposure to very loud sounds, or use hearing protection when it can’t be avoided.
- Lower headphone volume.
- Watch for whether the tinnitus is linked to other symptoms, such as pain, hearing loss, or a clogged-ear feeling.
- Seek evaluation with an ENT doctor, especially if the tinnitus is persistent, to investigate the cause and treatment options.
When to seek medical care
It’s worth seeking medical evaluation if the tinnitus:
- Persists for more than a few days
- Comes with noticeable hearing loss
- Comes with ear pain or discharge
- Affects only one ear, suddenly
- Causes significant emotional distress or difficulty concentrating
This content is informational and does not replace a medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. See also ear pain: what it could be.
Frequently asked questions
What is tinnitus?
It's the perception of a sound — such as ringing, hissing, or buzzing — in the ear or head, with no corresponding external sound source, according to the World Health Organization.
Does tinnitus always mean hearing loss?
Not always, but it's common: according to the WHO, 90% of tinnitus cases occur together with some degree of hearing loss.
What's the difference between acute and chronic tinnitus?
Tinnitus is considered acute when it lasts less than 3 months and chronic when it lasts longer than that, according to the World Health Organization's classification.
Can exposure to loud sound cause tinnitus?
Yes. Exposure to very loud sounds can damage the hair cells of the inner ear, which can lead to both hearing loss and tinnitus.
Is there a cure for tinnitus?
It depends on the cause. In many cases there is no definitive cure, but treatments exist that help reduce the discomfort and improve quality of life, such as sound therapy.
Sources
Written by Lucas Silva · Reviewed by Lucas Silva · Updated on July 20, 2026