Tinnitus: what it is, what diseases it can be associated with and what are the remedies

By Cristiano Antonino On Jun 18, 2022

Tinnitus is a disorder of the ear that manifests itself with a mostly high-pitched sound perception (similar to a whistle, buzzing or ringing) even in the absence of external noise

The causes at the origin of this disorder may be directly related to the ear (otogenic), such as a plug of earwax or acute and chronic inflammatory processes of the middle and inner ear, or they may be extra-otogenic and thus depend on factors external to the ear such as trauma or specific pathologies.

What diseases can be associated with tinnitus?

The diseases that can be associated with the presence of tinnitus are the following:

Atherosclerosis
Cataracts
Psychogenic disorders
Stroke
Inflammation of the trigeminal nerve
Carbon monoxide intoxication
Labyrinthitis
Meningitis
Otitis
Polycythaemia vera
Multiple sclerosis
Syphilis

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and that it is always best to consult your doctor if the disorder persists.

Tinnitus, what are the remedies?

Generally speaking, tinnitus is not treated ‘directly’ – i.e. by means of a special therapy – but ‘indirectly’, i.e. by resolving the medical condition that caused it.

However, it may happen – and it happens not infrequently – that the underlying cause of tinnitus remains unknown, in which case the sufferer ends up having to live with it.

A number of methods can help, which, although they cannot cure the disorder, can reduce its severity, such as the use of machines that emit so-called ‘white noise’ or taking certain medications (including antidepressants).