Tinnitus and Conditions of the Ear

Hearing loss can have many different underlying causes and can be associated with a variety of different medical conditions. Examples of common underlying causes include:

Excessive noise exposure
Hearing loss caused by noise exposure is referred to as ‘noise-induced hearing loss’. This type of hearing loss is preventable. For tips on preserving your hearing, you can read our fact sheet “Protecting Your Hearing”.
Ageing
Hearing loss that occurs gradually as we age is called ‘presbycusis’. Three in four people in Australia over the age of 70 experience hearing loss (Access Economics, 2006).
Hereditary (genetic) factors
Viral or bacterial infections
Medications that are toxic or poisonous (‘ototoxic’) to the inner ear.

Some medical ear conditions or diseases can also be an underlying cause of hearing loss. Some of the more well-known ear conditions include the following examples.

Otosclerosis

What Is It?

In otosclerosis, abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear causes the small ear bones to become locked and less able to conduct sound into the inner part of the ear. Hear-it AISBL (2014) reports that otosclerosis is one of the most common causes of progressive hearing loss in young adults. It is more commonly found in women than men and the condition may be first noticed or worsen during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. While the exact cause of otosclerosis is still unknown, it often runs in families. Symptoms commonly include gradual hearing loss that worsens over time, tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears) and dizziness in some cases.

Getting Help

Speak with your General Practitioner (GP) or audiologist if you have concerns. Your GP may refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialist for assessment.

Meniere’s Disease

What Is It?

Meniere’s disease is a condition of the inner ear. A buildup of inner ear fluid causes increased inner ear pressure, resulting in a disturbance of the ear’s balance and hearing mechanisms (Meniere’s Australia, 2014). Symptoms commonly include vertigo attacks (dizziness), tinnitus (ringing or roaring in the ears), a sense of fullness in the ears and fluctuating hearing levels leading to permanent hearing loss as the disease progresses.

Meniere’s Disease affects one in every 600 Australians (Meniere’s Australia, 2014).

Getting Help

If you are experiencing dizziness, tinnitus or fluctuating levels of hearing, discuss your concerns with your GP. Your GP may make a referral for you to be assessed by an ENT Specialist. Your audiologist will also be able to provide advice and guidance regarding managing your symptoms.
For further information and support you may wish to visit or contact Meniere’s Australia on 1300 368 818.

Tinnitus

What Is It?

Tinnitus is not a disease of the ear and it does not cause hearing loss. It is a symptom of another problem within the ear or hearing system. Tinnitus is the perception of noise in the ears or head in the absence of ‘real’ sound from outside (Tinnitus SA, 2014). Tinnitus is commonly experienced as a ringing or buzzing sound but may be a combination of different sounds heard constantly or intermittently. Tinnitus may seem to develop suddenly or slowly and can be experienced by those with normal hearing or those with hearing loss. There are many effective strategies that can be used to manage your perception of tinnitus.

Getting help

Speak with your GP about a referral to be examined by an ENT Specialist.
Talk with your audiologist about managing tinnitus. For hints on accessing hearing services, you can read our fact sheet “Choosing a Hearing Service Provider”.
For information, support and advice visit or telephone Tinnitus SA on 1300 789 988.

Need Support?

If you are concerned about your hearing and would like to speak to someone for impartial and independent advice, the Guide Dogs Hearing Services team can help.

Guide Dogs Hearing Services

Guide Dogs Hearing Services provides assistance and support to any adult who has a hearing impairment or who has both a vision and hearing loss. We provide a range of individual services, group training programs, products and advice. Appointments are necessary. To contact us, email or telephone (08) 8203 8394.

This information is for educational and communication purposes only and should not be construed as personal medical advice. If you have any further questions, please contact us or consult your health professional.

IS618 v2.0Publish Date: 24 August 2016 Uncontrolled