Unilateral Tinnitus Without Hearing Loss

Different disorders are associated with tinnitus. However, it is not unique to have unilateral tinnitus without hearing loss. Nevertheless, the symptoms should be evaluated to rule out possible nerve problems.

Tinnitus Explained

Tinnitus come from the Latin tinnire, which means “a ringing” or “to ring.” The condition causes an unpleasant sound localized in the ear. The severity of unilateral tinnitus without hearing loss varies and may be perceived as a buzzing, clicking, hissing, ringing or roaring sound. While to some the noise represents a minor annoyance, the disruption may cause depression and anxiety in others. Approximately 10 percent of people in the United States live with the disorder. Tinnitus occurs most often in adults between the age of 40 and 70.

The condition is often classified as being objective, subjective, vibratory or non-vibratory. Objective tinnitus can be heard by others when listening through a stethoscope positioned on the head or neck near the affected ear. Subjective is sound only heard by the individual. Vibratory tinnitus occurs from vibrations transmitted to the cochlea from nearby organs or tissues. The non-vibratory form of the condition involves biological or chemical changes that affect auditory nerves.

Basic Causes

Single-sided tinnitus may have a simple explanation. Think about your activity in the 24 hours before the symptom began. The loud noise exposure from attending a rock concert or practicing on a rifle range are sufficient to temporarily damage one or both ears. Especially if safety precautions or hearing protection was not used. Perhaps you drank an excess of coffee, did not drink enough fluid following a workout or took a high dose of aspirin. Maybe you started a new medication. By nightfall, you suffer unilateral tinnitus without hearing loss.

Other possible reasons people experience unilateral tinnitus without hearing loss include blood circulation abnormalities, chemical imbalances, blood pressure which is too high or too low. OTC medications or vitamin deficiencies might also cause the problem.

Avoiding caffeine, getting sufficient sleep, taking a multiple vitamin with complex B vitamins, learning how to manage stress or getting treatment for hypertension can all reduce or alleviate tinnitus symptoms.

More Serious Causes

The condition might be caused by a benign tumor called an acoustic neuroma. The growths spawns from the Schwann cells, which covers a branch of the eight cranial nerve. As the mass grows, it slowly destroys the nerve. Other symptoms also often arise and include dizziness. However, the initial symptoms is typically tinnitus. Unilateral tinnitus without hearing loss may occur for months or even years before the patient experiences dizziness and eventual hearing loss.

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