Tinnitus

Nerve problems, such as a damaged or overactive nerve in the head or neck, can potentially cause or worsen pre-existing tinnitus. This can also occur with musculoskeletal conditions, such as TMJ disorders, C-spine disorders, or previous head and neck trauma.

Environmental (e.g., seasonal or perennial) Allergies may cause or worsen pre-existing tinnitus. Typically, this occurs when allergies cause inflammation of the eustachian tube, which cause pressure abnormalities or an accumulation of fluid behind the eardrum. There may also be a link between allergies and inner ear conditions, which can also be a cause of tinnitus.

Certain dental issues may cause tinnitus. Some common examples include tooth abscesses, impacted wisdom teeth, or TMJ disorder. TMJ disorders commonly cause or worsen pre-existing tinnitus.

Tinnitus can be caused by ear conditions such as earwax build-up or an external ear infection (i.e., swimmer's ear). In these cases, ear drops may help resolve tinnitus by addressing the underlying condition.

High blood pressure may cause various types of tinnitus. This is the result of blood moving through the veins and arteries with more force, causing patients to hear their heartbeat in their ears. This is called “pulsatile tinnitus.” The medications that are used to treat high blood pressure can also cause non-pulsatile tinnitus as a side effect.