Can Tinnitus Be a Sign of Chronic Illness? What Research Reveals!

Tinnitus isn’t just a ringing in your ears. It is a signal from your body that something deeper might be going on. It can be a nuisance or a life-altering condition. In fact, many people deal with it and are looking for answers. The journey to relief begins with understanding the causes of tinnitus. While tinnitus is a symptom rather than a disease, its persistence can make it a chronic health problem. The key is to find out why you have it.

Understanding the root cause of tinnitus is crucial for effective treatment and management, as the underlying issue must be addressed to provide lasting relief. While it’s often idiopathic, common causes include sensorineural hearing loss and other factors such as otologic, vascular, neurologic, and even psychological conditions. So, what’s really causing it? Let’s find out!

Can Tinnitus be a Chronic Illness?

While the initial ringing or buzzing in the ears might be temporary, tinnitus can become a chronic condition when it persists for six months or longer. It’s a symptom, but its lasting effects on a person’s life include disrupted sleep, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, and depression. 

This is usually rooted in the brain and the auditory system. One of the most common causes of tinnitus is damage to the tiny hair cells in the inner ear. These cells normally send electrical signals to your brain that it interprets as sound. 

When they are bent or broken, often from loud noise exposure or the natural aging process, they can send random electrical impulses to the brain. Your brain then mistakenly interprets these signals as a persistent sound. This neurological misfiring is what leads to the continuous ringing or buzzing. Let’s take a closer look at some chronic illnesses and their connection to tinnitus.

Tinnitus and Chronic Illnesses

The link between tinnitus and chronic illnesses is an important area of medical research. A comprehensive evaluation of tinnitus often involves screening for conditions that have tinnitus as a symptom.

Cardiovascular Disease

The connection between tinnitus and cardiovascular disease is especially evident in pulsatile tinnitus, where the sound matches the heartbeat. This type of tinnitus is often related to a vascular problem and requires a thorough evaluation. Conditions like atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and hypertension can affect blood flow near the ear, creating the perceived sound. 

Aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) can also cause pulsatile tinnitus. Pulsatile tinnitus is also found in cases of dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) or arteriovenous malformations (AVM), where stenting may present as an effective therapy, where concomitant VSS has manifested. According to an article published in Surgical Neurology International. 

Diabetes

Poorly managed diabetes can also be a significant contributor to chronic tinnitus. High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves in the auditory system and affect the microcirculation in the cochlea, leading to hearing loss and tinnitus. A study noted that the duration of diabetes and the severity of tinnitus are linked, and that tinnitus in a diabetic patient can be an early marker for developing neuropathy or cochlear microangiopathy.

Thyroid Dysfunction

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have been linked to tinnitus. Thyroid hormones play a vital role in the metabolic activity of the auditory pathways. Treating the underlying thyroid condition can often reduce or eliminate tinnitus symptoms in these cases.

Autoimmune Diseases

Diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the inner ear and auditory nerve. Tinnitus in these cases is often a symptom of associated sensorineural hearing loss, where a decrease in sound input triggers the brain to create its own internal sound.

What Current Research is Being Done on Tinnitus?

Research on tinnitus is continuously evolving, with a focus on understanding its complex neurological origins and developing effective treatments. The “VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline for Tinnitus” was recently released to provide guidance on managing the condition, highlighting the importance of audiology, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and even physical therapy for somatosensory tinnitus. 

A major area of research is bimodal neuromodulation, which involves retraining the brain’s auditory and somatosensory pathways. The Lenire device, for example, combines sound stimulation with mild electrical pulses to the tongue to help the brain downplay the tinnitus sound. Another promising area is vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), which aims to enhance neuroplasticity.

The Apple Hearing Study, one of the largest surveys on tinnitus to date, has also provided new insights. It found that 77.6% of participants have experienced tinnitus, with the prevalence of daily tinnitus increasing with age. The study also cited “noise trauma” as the primary cause, followed by stress.

Tinnitus As a Symptom of Chronic Illness

Understanding the root cause of tinnitus is crucial for effective treatment. While often idiopathic, meaning it has no known cause, it is most commonly linked to sensorineural hearing loss. However, it can also be a symptom of a more serious underlying chronic illness. A comprehensive evaluation of tinnitus often involves screening for a range of conditions.

Medical Conditions Associated with Tinnitus

Many different medical conditions can lead to tinnitus. Here are some of the most common ones.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss 

Changes in the inner ear and auditory nerve can cause tinnitus. For adults with tinnitus, the first medical condition that should be ruled out is sensorineural hearing loss, which can be caused by genetics, noise exposure, or aging. This is the most common cause of tinnitus.

Ear Infections 

Ear infections can lead to blockages in the ear, such as a buildup of earwax. Tinnitus can manifest as a result of this inner ear blockage. The American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery provides extensive information on tinnitus and ear conditions.

High Blood Pressure 

High blood pressure and the factors that contribute to it (such as stress or caffeine) can result in much more noticeable tinnitus. The elevated blood pressure may affect blood flow in and near the ear. Research suggests a link between hypertension and tinnitus, as outlined in articles from sources like the NIH National Library of Medicine.

Autoimmune Disorders 

Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, can be one of the causes of tinnitus. The National Institutes of Health reports that peripheral auditory dysfunction can result in changes that eventually lead to tinnitus in patients with autoimmune diseases.

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction 

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. Issues with this joint are common and can lead to tinnitus. The muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the jaw and inner ear can be affected by TMJ dysfunction, which can cause tinnitus. A review in the journal Medicina explores the correlation between temporomandibular disorders and tinnitus.

Ménière’s Disease 

Ménière’s disease is an inner ear disorder that usually develops in adults between 40 and 60 years of age. It can cause several symptoms, including vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) provides a detailed fact sheet on Ménière’s Disease.

Hormone Changes 

Hormonal fluctuations can also result in tinnitus. In women, periods of hormone variability can trigger or worsen tinnitus symptoms. PMS, menopause and pregnancy have all been shown to cause an increase in tinnitus.

Colds and Sinus Problems 

The American Tinnitus Association reports that nasal congestion from a severe cold, flu, or sinus infection can create abnormal pressure in the middle ear, impacting normal hearing and causing tinnitus symptoms.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Finding Relief

Because the causes of tinnitus are so varied, finding relief requires a comprehensive and personalized approach. This often involves a team of specialists including audiologists, physicians, and mental health professionals. Audiologists are uniquely positioned to help you identify the root cause of your tinnitus and create a personalized treatment plan. The most effective plans often involve sound therapy and counseling.

No matter the causes of tinnitus, there is a path to relief. It may seem like an invisible and isolating struggle but with the right guidance and support, you can regain control and improve your quality of life. The first step is always to seek a comprehensive evaluation to understand the unique reasons behind your personal sound.

YouTube video from Treble Health that answers critical questions about tinnitus

For more information and to find a wide range of resources including videos and blogs on this topic, a great place to start is the Treble Health website. 

From Phantom Noise to Peace

Understanding the diverse and sometimes complex causes of tinnitus is the crucial first step on the path to finding relief. It’s a journey that can feel overwhelming, but discovering the “why” behind your symptoms can empower you to take back control. 

The good news is that you don’t have to navigate this path alone. A team of dedicated audiologists can help you uncover the specific reasons for your tinnitus and build a personalized plan tailored just for you.

Your journey toward a better quality of life starts here.

Book a free 20-minute telehealth consultation today to get expert guidance, explore treatment options, and take real steps toward managing your life with peace.