Tinnitus – or ringing in the ears – affects millions of Americans. The American Tinnitus Association estimates that more than 50 million Americans experience tinnitus.
Studies suggest that, like many hearing issues, tinnitus becomes more common with age and can be an early sign of age-related hearing loss. For many people, it is a minor annoyance. For others, it can be a persistent source of discomfort and distress.
Despite the number of people affected, there are still gaps in public awareness about tinnitus and how to manage it. There is currently no established cure for chronic tinnitus, but certain factors can worsen its effects, and several approaches may provide relief and help people manage their symptoms. Tinnitus may also improve when an underlying cause is identified and treated.
What Is Tinnitus?
For those who experience it, tinnitus is often described as hearing sounds when there is no corresponding external source. These sounds may resemble ringing, hissing, clicking, roaring, or buzzing, and their pitch and intensity vary from person to person.
Many people experience temporary tinnitus after exposure to loud sounds, such as following a concert or party. If you spend an extended period near loud speakers, you may notice ringing in your ears afterward. This type of tinnitus may fade over time, although loud-noise exposure can also cause lasting hearing damage.
For people with chronic tinnitus, the sounds persist or recur over an extended period. Tinnitus is associated with changes in the way the auditory system and brain process sound, although the precise mechanisms are complex and are not fully understood.
It is also important to note that tinnitus is often a symptom associated with an underlying condition rather than a disease in itself. As explained by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, tinnitus can have several possible causes. In some cases, symptoms may improve when an underlying issue, such as an earwax blockage or a medication-related problem, is appropriately addressed.
If you are experiencing tinnitus, an evaluation by a hearing professional or healthcare provider can help identify possible causes and determine the next steps.
Causes of Tinnitus
In addition to hearing loss, other possible causes of tinnitus include aging, exposure to loud noise, ear and sinus conditions, earwax blockages, certain medications, and some cardiovascular or metabolic conditions. Pulsatile tinnitus, which sounds like a rhythmic beating or pulsing, can sometimes be associated with changes in blood flow or blood vessel conditions.
Hormonal changes and thyroid abnormalities may also be associated with tinnitus in some individuals. Because there are many possible causes, persistent or new tinnitus should be evaluated rather than attributed to a single factor.
What Factors Make Tinnitus Worse?
Several factors may make ringing in the ears more noticeable or distressing, aside from exposure to loud noises.
Age
Hearing loss becomes more common with age and is frequently associated with chronic tinnitus. Tinnitus does not necessarily worsen as a person gets older, but some people report that its intensity or impact increases over time.
Time of Day
Some people find that tinnitus seems louder at night or in the early morning. One possible explanation is that there is less background noise and fewer distractions during these times, making the internal sounds more noticeable.
Stress
Stress may contribute to worsening tinnitus symptoms. A person’s response to stress can also influence how they experience tinnitus.
Some people learn to respond to chronic tinnitus with relatively little distress. Others may experience a cycle in which negative thoughts, worry, and frustration lead them to focus more intensely on the sound. Over time, this can affect their overall mental well-being.
Anxiety and Depression
Tinnitus and mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, can occur together. Persistent tinnitus may contribute to emotional distress, while anxiety and depression may make the sounds more difficult to cope with.
Focusing on tinnitus as a major threat or feeling hopeless about its effects can increase distress and make it harder to ignore. Seeking appropriate support for both tinnitus and mental health concerns may help improve quality of life.
High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease
Tinnitus is not solely associated with psychological factors. Certain cardiovascular conditions may be linked to tinnitus, particularly pulsatile tinnitus, which can sometimes reflect changes in blood flow. High blood pressure may also contribute to some cases, although the relationship varies from person to person.
Some people report that their tinnitus becomes more noticeable after consuming alcohol. Alcohol may affect tinnitus differently in different individuals, so tracking personal triggers can be helpful. If tinnitus pulses in time with your heartbeat, seek medical evaluation to determine the cause.
What Treatments Are Available for Ringing in the Ears That Worsens?
There is currently no established cure for chronic tinnitus, but several treatment and management options are available. The most appropriate approach depends on the underlying cause, the severity of symptoms, and how much tinnitus affects daily life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help people change their responses to tinnitus and manage the distress it causes. Tinnitus counseling can also provide information about the condition and practical strategies for coping with symptoms.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) combines counseling with sound therapy to help people become less aware of and less distressed by tinnitus over time. Sound therapy and certain hearing devices may also help make tinnitus less noticeable for some individuals.
If you have noticed that your tinnitus is worsening over time, consider arranging a hearing test and evaluation with El Dorado Hearing. Their team can help assess your hearing, identify possible contributing factors, and guide you toward appropriate support and treatment options.