What causes a crackling in the ear?
Tinnitus is a condition that causes a person to hear sounds and noises that no one else can hear. Tinnitus is a fairly common condition that occurs in about 10% of the population. Tinnitus is typically found in the elderly, however more recent studies have shown an increase in the occurrence of tinnitus in younger populations. Most likely, this change in occurrence is due to younger generations’ greater exposure to loud noises such as music, guns, hair dryers, etc. Tinnitus sufferers hear different sounds such as musical tones, hissing, hissing, buzzing, or ringing. No two people hear exactly the same noise. Most affected individuals find these noises to be nothing more than an annoyance or annoyance, but are able to continue with their daily lives. However, in some cases, tinnitus can greatly affect quality of life due to constant noise disturbance.
Tinnitus can be classified into two categories, objective and subjective. Only a doctor can differentiate between the two types. Objective tinnitus can actually be perceived as a sound emanating from the ear. Anatomical sounds of the body, such as muscle spasms, heartbeat or pulse, and blood flow, can be heard through the patient’s ear. Subjective tinnitus is more common because it describes the symptoms felt by the patient. In subjective tinnitus, the sounds are not present for the doctor to hear but emanate from the ear.
There is no cure for tinnitus and it is difficult to determine the exact cause of tinnitus. There are four areas that tinnitus can come from: the outer ear, the middle ear, the inner ear, and the brain. Earwax or foreign bodies can block outside noise and damage the outer ear. In the middle ear, fluid, infection, or disease in the ear bones or eardrum can cause damage. Damage to the nerves in the inner ear can distort noise. Lastly, abnormalities in the brain can cause tinnitus symptoms.
Additionally, various diseases, deficiencies, medications, and emotional factors can also cause tinnitus symptoms. However, the most common cause is damage to the nerves in the inner ear (cochlea). Nerves in the cochlea transmit electrical impulses to the brain, which interprets these signals sent to the brain as distorted. The distorted signals are interpreted by the brain as noise. Determining how nerves are damaged is the ultimate cause of tinnitus symptoms.
Older people are more likely to experience tinnitus symptoms. As we age, like many other areas of the body, the inner or middle ear gradually changes, leading to symptoms of hearing loss. Age-related hearing loss is called presbycusis. The change in the ears occurs over a longer period of time and normally occurs in both ears. In younger people, exposure to loud noise can also cause hearing loss. The cumulative effects of repeated exposure to loud noises will ultimately lead to presbycusis. Depending on the duration of the exposure and the frequency of the sound, it will be determined if the nerves of the ear are damaged. In some cases, the damage can cause temporary hearing loss, however, permanent damage can cause tinnitus or the need for hearing aids. Although, not all tinnitus symptoms are caused by exposure to noisy environments or old age. Some of the changes that can occur within the ear include otosclerosis. Changes in the ear bones cause the bones of the middle ear to harden. This abnormal growth puts pressure on the other bones and nerves inside the ear.
The normal functioning of our body, such as breathing, heartbeat, muscle contractions, and blood flow, make noise. However, most people don’t hear these noises because we are surrounded by noises that mask our ability to hear these small sounds. However, if you eliminate outside noise, you are more likely to hear the anatomical sounds of your own body. Also, certain changes in the body can make it easier for you to hear these sounds.
Metabolic disorders in the body can cause tinnitus symptoms due to defects that interfere with metabolism. Most metabolic disorders are genetic in nature, meaning that they are passed down through the genetic makeup of their parents. Metabolic disorders can cause abnormal enzyme function, the body makes too much or too little of a needed substance, or is unable to break down certain substances. Common metabolic disorders that cause tinnitus are thyroid disease, hyperlipidemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, and iron deficiency anemia.
Anemia is a condition in which the blood is diluted of red blood cells, which provide oxygen and nutrients to the body. The diluted blood runs through the veins so fast that it makes a sound. Anemia can cause fatigue and ultimately death if not treated right away.
Meniere’s disease is a disorder that causes an abnormal flow of fluid in the inner ear, affecting hearing and balance. Meniere’s disease, which typically causes hearing loss and tinnitus in one ear, causes fluid pressure in the inner ear to increase. More unlikely causes of tinnitus include a brain aneurysm, brain tumor, or acoustic neuroma. Aneurysms commonly occur in the arteries at the base of the brain. A bulge is produced in the blood vessels that fills with blood and is at risk of rupturing with the increase in size. As an aneurysm grows in size, it puts more pressure on the surrounding blood vessels. Brain tumors and acoustic neuroma, a benign noncancerous tumor, that occur in the brain put pressure on blood vessels, cutting off the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the brain. Therefore, the brain interprets the increase in blood pressure as distorted sounds. Acoustic neuromas typically occur on the cranial nerve that runs from the brain to the inner ear, affecting balance and hearing.
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is secreted into the ear canal to protect the ear from bacteria, fungi, insects, and water. Regular earwax removal should be maintained so as not to allow excess earwax to accumulate. Although Q-tips were originally designed to help remove earwax, they are now more dangerous than helpful. Using a Q-tip can cause wax to penetrate deeper into the ear canal, which can cause impaction against the eardrum. When the wax is pressed against the eardrum, it causes the brain to perceive them as noise signals.
Injuries to the head, neck, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) also have their effect on tinnitus. Chiari malformation, multiple sclerosis, skull fracture, whiplash, closed head injury, and TMJ disorders affect the ears, nerves, and blood vessels in the brain. Injuries and disorders cause abnormalities, so the brain perceives electrical impulses differently than it would in a normal person’s brain. Neurological disorders also cause failures in the brain, which can cause tinnitus symptoms.
Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications also affect the body’s ability to decipher sound waves. Drugs, both legal and illegal, can cause the brain to receive distorted signals, which can cause tinnitus. Aspirin, antibiotics, cancer drugs, diuretics, quinine, and chloroquinine can cause tinnitus symptoms.
Lastly, stress plays a very important role in the body’s ability to function properly. Unfortunately, stress can inhibit the brain’s ability to interpret and perceive stimuli. Atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety and nervousness are stressors that affect the body and cause failures in its ability to perform. Therefore, the brain can misinterpret the electrical impulses, which causes tinnitus.
Unfortunately, with so many causes of tinnitus, it’s difficult to quickly determine which one is causing the subjective or objective symptoms. Therefore, it can be a lengthy process to find the specific cause of your condition. Until then, tinnitus can be a huge inconvenience and annoyance in your life. Also, the number of tests and treatments you try without relief can be disappointing. However, there are many alternative medications that may be helpful in lessening your symptoms until you can fully resolve your current condition.
