TINNITUS, or ringing ears, has a number of possible causes. One cause is hearing loss. As our hearing decreases the hair cells in our inner ear get weaker & weaker; in many cases falling over or bending. When these hair cells are not at their peak they send a signal to the brain. In quiet conditions this signal is heard and, in many cases is very bothersom.

Another cause is OTOTOXICITY or drug interaction. Many drugs have chemicals that interact with our bodies in negative ways, many affecting the nervous system, which includes our inner ear. The FDA only regulates approximately 1% of all U.S. drugs, so check with your doctor and/or audiologist to see if any drugs you are on may cause this damage.

The last primary cause of tinnitus is TRAUMA. Explosions or blunt trauma to the head can damage the nerves in the inner ear which will continually try to send a signal to the brain when there is no signal to send. And again in a quiet situation this will be extremely bothersom.

This is just a brief overview of some causes of TINNITUS. For more information please e-mail any questions or contact the American Tinnitus Association at www.ata.org.

Hearing Aids and Audiology Services for the Hearing Impaired in the Greater Pittsburgh Region:
413 4th Ave. Tarentum, PA 15084 (724) 224-6811 Fax: (724) 224-2316	141 Columbia Ave. Vandergrift, PA 15690 (724) 567-7381 Fax: (724) 568-5014
Allegheny County Office	Westmoreland County Office
office@ramettahearing.com