Causes Of Tinnitus

What are the Causes of Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is commonly believed to be triggered by ear and sinus infections or Meniere’s disease. Additionally, stress and noise damage are major recognized factors contributing to tinnitus. While in many instances tinnitus resolves on its own once the triggering infection has passed, this article delves into the causes of chronic tinnitus.

Some of the known conflicts that might lead to tinnitus include general stress, an aversion to listening, stubbornness, and ignoring personal feelings. For instance, have you ever noticed your ears ringing after exposure to loud music or noise? If a significant event happens while you're exposed to such noise, it might leave an imprint on your subconscious, leading to tinnitus when a similar event occurs later.

The Sounds of Tinnitus:

Tinnitus can manifest as a continuous buzzing or a whooshing sound. Some describe it as the roar of a waterfall, while others hear ringing similar to church bells. It can be a constant disturbance or appear intermittently. In some cases, tinnitus is so loud that it disrupts daily activities and sleep. For instance, one musician experienced a continuous B flat tone, which only allowed him to enjoy music in that specific key.

When seeking the cause of tinnitus, it's important to consider the specific sound you hear. This sound can often provide a clue to the root trauma triggering the tinnitus. Tinnitus often ties back to not wanting to hear something, or even an aversion to silence. It's essential to pinpoint what you find unbearable to hear, be it bad news, constant criticism from a spouse, or perhaps a traumatic event like a car crash.

Case History: William, aged 40, experienced intermittent tinnitus for as long as he could remember. When asked about the sound, he initially struggled to describe it. However, as the conversation moved on, he had an epiphany: the buzzing he heard resembled the sound of cicadas on a summer afternoon. Delving deeper, he remembered a specific summer day at age five. After attending church in a rural area, he saw boys his age climbing trees. Eager to join in, he was stopped by his father because he was in his best Sunday attire.

For William, the intense emotion of feeling deprived of fun, combined with the backdrop of droning cicadas, seemed to have imprinted this sound in his mind. Once he made this connection, his tinnitus disappeared.

This case serves as a reminder that sometimes, tinnitus might be linked to past emotional experiences, even if they seem unrelated.

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