Tinnitus is not a
disease, but a symptom that can result from a
wide range of underlying causes: abnormally loud
sounds in the ear canal for even the briefest
period (but usually with some duration), ear
infections, foreign objects in the ear, stress,
nasal allergies that prevent (or induce) fluid
drain, or wax build-up. In-ear headphones, whose
sound enters directly into the ear canal without
any opportunity to be deflected or absorbed
elsewhere, is a common cause of Tinnitus when
volume is set beyond moderate levels.
Tinnitus can also be caused by natural hearing impairment due to aging.
Tinnitus is common; about 20% of people between 55 and 65 years of age.
