What causes tinnitus?
There is no single cause of tinnitus. The pattern of symptoms and your hearing and health history can help a clinician decide what deserves investigation.
Hearing loss and loud noise
Hearing loss is strongly associated with tinnitus. Loud-noise exposure can contribute to both hearing loss and tinnitus, whether exposure is repeated or comes from an extremely loud event.
Earwax and ear infection
Blockage from earwax or fluid related to an ear infection can trigger tinnitus in some people. This is one reason a basic ear examination can be useful.
Medications
Some medicines are associated with tinnitus, particularly in certain doses or circumstances. Do not stop a prescribed medication on your own; discuss concerns with the prescriber or pharmacist.
Jaw, head and neck factors
Jaw-joint problems, clenching or grinding can sometimes cause or worsen tinnitus. Head or neck injuries are also among recognized associations.
Pulsatile or one-sided symptoms
Rhythmic tinnitus in time with the heartbeat, sudden hearing loss, or persistent one-sided symptoms warrant medical evaluation because the diagnostic pathway may differ.
Next: see management options or the complete tinnitus guide.
Sources & editorial basis
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), “Tinnitus,” updated May 1, 2023.
- Tunkel DE, et al. “Clinical Practice Guideline: Tinnitus.” Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 2014.
- Zeneara official sales material, consulted September 2026, for the merchant's current advertised ingredient list and claims.
Medical information is educational and is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Product claims are identified as merchant claims where relevant.