Tinnitus is a symptom of another health problem and is not a disease. The exact cause of tinnitus is unclear, but it is often associated with some degree of hearing loss. Common causes of tinnitus include:

• Age-related hearing loss: As people age, they may experience hearing loss, which can be a cause of tinnitus.

• Exposure to loud noises: Repeated exposure to loud noises or a single incident of exposure to very loud music or working in a noisy environment can cause hearing loss and tinnitus.

• Earwax build-up or ear infection: Blockage of the ear canal by earwax or fluid from an ear infection can trigger tinnitus.

• Medications: Certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, certain antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, anti-malaria medications, and antidepressants, can cause tinnitus as a side effect.

• Jaw joint problems: Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause tinnitus.

• Blood vessel problems: High blood pressure and hardening of the arteries can cause tinnitus.

Less common causes of tinnitus include head injury, anaemia, and tumours. In many cases, an exact cause of tinnitus is never found.