Exploring the Link Between Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of sounds that have no external source. Some causes of tinnitus are well-known – loud noises, ear infections etc – but in some cases the cause remains mysterious. In addition, while not everyone who experiences hearing loss will experience tinnitus there does appear to be a strong connection between hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Link Between Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

Researchers estimate that up to 90% of people who experience tinnitus also suffer from some degree of hearing loss. Researchers believe this indicates that damage to the auditory system may cause tinnitus. There are different kinds of damage that may cause this.

Damage to the Cochlea

The cochlea is the inner ear’s primary vehicle for detecting and interpreting sound vibrations. Damage to the cochlea can cause hearing loss and disrupt its ability to process sound vibrations properly, leading to a disruption in the way auditory signals are transmitted to the brain. In order to make sense of the signals it is receiving the brain may attempt to fill in or smooth out gaps or rough patches in the sound transmission creating what we experience as tinnitus.

Damage to the Auditory Nerve

Long-term exposure to loud noise, proximity to sudden traumatic sounds (explosions etc) and some medical conditions can cause hearing loss and damage the auditory nerve. That, in turn, can negatively affect sound signals sent to the brain exacerbating or perhaps causing tinnitus.

Some researchers theorize that tinnitus may be a side effect of the brain attempting to adapt to changes in auditory signals it receives as a result of hearing loss. While this theory has yet to be proven conclusively the preponderance of evidence suggests it may be spot-on.

Contact Harley Street AVM for Help with Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

There is a mountain of evidence suggesting a connection between hearing loss and tinnitus. If you are experiencing either or both of these conditions contact Harley Street AVM by calling 020 3480 9630 and make an appointment with one of our auditory experts. They will likely be able to recommend treatments that will relieve you of the worst symptoms.