The term tinnitus (Latin: Tinnitus aurium) refers to a phenomenon in the auditory system in which individuals perceive sounds without an external sound source. Approximately 99% of people with tinnitus experience what is known as "subjective tinnitus." This means the ear noises are perceived only by the affected person, either in one ear, both ears, or even in the middle of the head. These sounds are not sensed within the ear itself but rather in the brain, specifically in the auditory cortex. 

Possible triggers of Tinnitus 

Cochlear Damage: Tiny hair cells in your inner ear convert sound waves into signals for your brain. When these hair cells bend or collapse, for instance due to loud noise exposure or age, they can send "false" signals that your brain interprets as tinnitus. 

Excessive synchronisation of the auditory nerve: The auditory nerve functions like a highway, carrying signals from your ear to the brain. If too many signals travel on this "highway" at once, it can lead to the perception of ear sounds. Often, chronic stress is a significant factor here.

Central nervous system abnormalities: The central nervous system is your body’s control center. Malfunctions here can lead the brain to perceive sounds that aren’t actually present.

Abnormal connections between the somatosensory and auditory systems: Nerve pathways may sometimes incorrectly transmit signals to the auditory center in the brain, which are perceived as tinnitus. This can happen, for instance, if you have pain, tension, or other symptoms in the neck or jaw area. 

Inner ear hearing loss: In cases of hearing loss, the brain may "fill in" the missing sounds, resulting in a perception of tinnitus. 

Ruptured eardrum: Eardrum damage, such as from injury or loud explosions, can manifest as tinnitus.

Ear canal blockage from earwax: Excessive earwax can impair hearing, prompting the brain to "invent" sounds to compensate for the silence. 

Meniere’s Disease: This inner ear disorder can lead to dizziness, hearing loss, and ear noises.  

Chronic middle ear infection: Recurring and prolonged middle ear infections can overstimulate the auditory system and trigger tinnitus. 

Various stress-related conditions: Stress and emotional strain can place a heavy burden on the body. Tinnitus often results from a combination of different triggers.  

Which organ causes Tinnitus?

In most cases, tinnitus cannot be traced to a single organ. Conventional medicine first examines the ear and nervous systems to determine if any damage or disease is responsible. This step helps rule out serious illnesses and properly directs treatment. 

In approximately 80% of tinnitus cases, however, the causes are found in the musculoskeletal system, joints, and muscles. Acute and/or chronic autonomic stress also plays a significant role here.

Below, we will first examine the causes within the auditory and nervous systems.

The inner ear is crucial in tinnitus development. Often, it is caused by damage to the hair cells in the cochlea, which convert sound waves into electrical signals. When hair cells are damaged, faulty signals are sent to the brain, perceived as tinnitus.  

The auditory cortex in your brain is also essential in the development of tinnitus. If the brain does not receive clear signals from the inner ear, it may fill the gap with a phantom sound, similar to chronic pain. Over time, the brain "learns" this sound, making the tinnitus more persistent.

Middle ear problems, such as a blocked Eustachian tube or otosclerosis, can cause ear noises. They disrupt ear pressure or the vibrations of the ossicles, leading to the transmission of erroneous signals to the brain and eventually causing tinnitus. 

The nervous system can also play a significant role. Nerve damage in your auditory nerve (cochlear nerve) can lead to interference signals being sent to the brain. Tinnitus can also arise from tensions and issues in the jaw and neck areas.  

Which cervical vertebra triggers Tinnitus?

For about 80% of affected individuals, tinnitus is triggered by issues in other body areas besides the ear itself. In these cases, it is called somatosensory tinnitus, the most common type, caused by chronic issues, degenerations, old injuries throughout the musculoskeletal system, or chronic tension in the shoulder and neck areas. Somatosensory tinnitus can develop under certain conditions: 

• Head or neck injury, such as from a car accident or whiplash, or from repeated falls or impacts.  
• Problems (injuries, accident aftermath, wear and tear, chronic overuse, postoperative issues, disc herniations) in the spine.
• Recurring pain in the head, neck, or shoulder region, often caused by muscle tension or spasms.​  
• Simultaneous occurrence of pain and tinnitus, suggesting a common cause. 
• An increase in tinnitus during poor posture while working, resting, walking, or sleeping. 

How are jaw problems and Tinnitus connected?

Tinnitus can also be caused by issues in the jaw area, another indicator of somatosensory tinnitus. The jaw is closely connected to the auditory system, and problems in this area can trigger tinnitus. Common causes include: 

• Jaw Manipulations or Issues: Dental implants or jaw misalignments that affect the bite
• Recurring Pain Episodes: Pain in the jaw area due to jaw muscle tension or spasms
• Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Excessive grinding, often at night, stresses the jaw. Grinding is often an unconscious form of stress relief​. See also our article on Tinnitus and Stress. 
• Change in Tinnitus (frequency and volume) with specific jaw movements or chewing.

Can the psyche cause Tinnitus?

The psyche plays a central role in many affected individuals in both the development and maintenance of their tinnitus. Acute or ongoing severe psychological strains such as stress, worry, anxiety, sadness, or trauma can not only trigger tinnitus but also amplify the perception of ear sounds in those already affected. 

This is due to the close connection between your brain, central nervous system, and the auditory system.

What can I do about Tinnitus?

Recommendations for Tinnitus Sufferers 

First Steps

If you suffer from tinnitus, it’s essential to identify its causes and begin optimal treatment with professional support as soon as possible. Here are the recommended next steps:

1. Doctor Visit: Schedule an appointment with an ENT doctor to conduct a thorough examination of your hearing. The doctor can determine if physical causes, such as earwax buildup, a middle ear infection, or inner ear damage, are present​. 
2. Further Examinations: If no specific cause is found, other examinations by neurologists, orthodontists, or physiotherapists can help determine if the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, jaw, or neck areas are responsible for the tinnitus. They can also assist with treating tinnitus symptoms​.
3. Psychological Support: Since factors such as stress or emotional strain can exacerbate ear noises, it can be beneficial to speak with psychologists or psychotherapists about your situation. Stress management techniques such as mindfulness training or progressive muscle relaxation can also provide relief​. (See our article on Tinnitus and Stress for more.) 

A detailed, comprehensive cause analysis is crucial for proper, successful treatment.

Each case of tinnitus is unique. Only when the individual causes are known can the correct treatment be chosen, leading to a quick improvement in your tinnitus symptoms. We offer a free, non-binding, comprehensive cause analysis and evaluation. 

In this assessment, we determine whether you have the most common form of somatosensory tinnitus and how ForgTin® can effectively help you. Schedule a personal consultation or phone call with our experts to receive the best solution for your tinnitus. 

Book your consultation now and take the first step towards targeted tinnitus treatment!