Causes of tinnitus in one ear only

Tinnitus is the perception of noise in the ears or head when there is no external sound source.

It can occur in one or both ears, and in some cases, it may be more prominent in one ear.

There are several potential causes of tinnitus in one ear only, including:

1. Somatosensory Tinnitus:
   • Tinnitus from the neck or jaw usually results in one sided ear noise.
   • Changing the tone of your tinnitus with movements of your neck or jaw are symptoms of somatosensory tinnitus.
2. Earwax Blockage:
   • Earwax can accumulate in the ear canal and cause tinnitus.
   • When it blocks the ear canal, it can affect the transmission of sound, leading to tinnitus.
3. Ear Infections:
   • Infections in the ear, such as otitis media or otitis externa, can lead to tinnitus in one ear.
   • Infections can cause inflammation and affect the normal functioning of the ear.
4. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss:
   • Exposure to loud noises can damage the hair cells in the inner ear.
   • This can lead to tinnitus, and the damage may be more pronounced in one ear, especially if the noise exposure was asymmetric.

There are othe potential causes of tinnitus in one ear only, including:

1. Acoustic Neuroma:
   • Acoustic neuroma, a non-cancerous tumor that affects the nerve responsible for balance and hearing, can lead to tinnitus.
   • This condition typically affects one ear and may cause one-sided tinnitus.
2. Meniere’s Disease:
   • Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder that can cause tinnitus along with symptoms like vertigo, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the affected ear.
   • It often affects only one ear.
3. Trauma or Injury:
   • Physical trauma or injury to the head or ear can damage the structures of the ear and lead to tinnitus in one ear.
4. Vascular Issues:
   • Certain vascular conditions, such as pulsatile tinnitus, can result in rhythmic or pulsing sounds in one ear due to blood flow irregularities.
5. Medications:
   • Some medications, such as high doses of aspirin, certain antibiotics, and diuretics, can cause tinnitus, and the effect may be more pronounced in one ear.

It’s important to note that tinnitus can have various causes, and sometimes the exact cause may be challenging to determine.

If you experience tinnitus in one ear or both ears, especially if it’s persistent or accompanied by other concerning symptoms like hearing loss, dizziness, or pain, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional, such as an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist), for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.

If all medical and hearing tests are negative, you may have somatosensory tinnitus, which usually affects one ear.

Conclusion if you have somatosensory tinnitus

It’s crucial to remember that somatosensory tinnitus is a complex condition, and its management may require a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals such as ear specialists, dentists, and physical therapists.

If you suspect somatosensory tinnitus or experience any of the mentioned symptoms, we recommend seeking professional evaluation and guidance to better understand and address this unique form of tinnitus.

Patients presenting with tension type headache should consider specialized physical therapy.   We provide a comprehensive treatment approach through our Somatosensory Tinnitus Relief Program.

Don’t hesitate to contact us today so we can help you!