There are many tinnitus causes. Some are common and others are inevitable, as with hearing loss and the body’s natural aging process. Some are easily remedied. If tinnitus has become a constant and serious problem, you should have a thorough hearing and ear examination. Many health conditions can cause tinnitus to increase in severity. Sometimes, no causes of tinnitus is ever found. Below are some of the more common tinnitus causes.

Aging. Many people begin to lose their acute hearing as they age. This occurrence, the medical term being presbycusis, can result in tinnitus. Pesbycusis may start around age 60.

Sinus Infection/Colds. Infections of the sinuses or ears can produce temporary tinnitus. This would naturally clear up as the body heals.

Noise Exposure. Extended exposure to very loud noises can damage one’s inner ears. Heavy equipment, jack hammers, rock concerts, chain saws, airplane engines and other extremely loud sounds are one of the common tinnitus causes. Microscopic hair-like nerve endings in the inner ear can become damaged with the result being tinnitus. For this reason, one should wear protective gear when exposed to the loud noises for long periods of time.

Ear Blockage. Something as simple as an abundance of ear wax is a common cause of tinnitus. Ear wax is a natural and healthy coating but a buildup can impair hearing and produce ear ringing or tinnitus.

Bone Changes. A hereditary condition which causes the bones in the ear to harden and change can be one of the more common tinnitus causes. The medical term for this condition is ostoclerosis.

Medication. A high dosage of aspirin or antibiotics may cause tinnitus. A side effect of some prescription drugs can cause of tinnitus. Some cancer drugs have been known to cause this, and higher doses may increase the severity of tinnitus.

Meniere’s Syndrome. This is an inner ear condition which involves the ear fluids production, pressure and composition. It often results in hearing loss, dizziness, and tinnitus.

Health. A number of health conditions can cause or worsen tinnitus. In many cases, an exact cause is never found.

Injuries. Injuring the neck or head can cause neurological disorders that affect nerves that are involved in hearing. This would be a more prominent cause in the rarer cases of tinnitus in one ear only.

Atherosclerosis. Cholesterol can build up in your veins, arteries and blood vessels anywhere in your body. When it builds up in the inner, middle, or outer ear, the vessels become less flexible which can cause a stronger flow of blood to the area, with variations in the flow. This can be a cause of tinnitus.

High Blood Pressure. High blood pressure can cause more pressure in the inner ear and cause tinnitus. Diet and exercise, and taking your physician’s recommendations for lowering your blood pressure can reduce tinnitus.

Diet. Too much caffeine, sodium or alcohol can produce the same affects as high blood pressure, in increasing pressure in the inner ear, thus causing tinnitus. A lacking of some vitamins and minerals can be linked to increased tinnitus.

Stress and Depression. Occasionally, no physical reason can be pinpointed for tinnitus. Stress and depression have been linked to tinnitus. Stress reduction exercises can help eliminate stress and depression. This, in turn, has been shown to help with tinnitus.

The key point here is tinnitus has many causes. Some causes are in fact medical and require a medical solution. Some causes are self induced and can be cured with diet and other natural cures. It is important to educate yourself on each of the known causes and then consult a physician.