3. Ear infections.
Ear infections are often thought to be a problem that only affects children, but adults can develop ear infections, too. Infections of the middle ear, known as “otitis media”, can develop when bacterium becomes lodged within the auditory tube. The auditory tube connects the middle ear to the back portion of the throat. Typically, middle ear infections occur when a clog or obstruction blocks the auditory tube; often, this clog or obstruction is caused by mucous.
Infections of the middle ear are often associated with ringing or buzzing sounds. In addition to tinnitus, symptoms that are often associated with otitis media include fever, pain in the affected ear, some degree of hearing loss, and even vertigo (dizziness). If you are experiencing tinnitus and several of the other aforementioned symptoms, it’s likely you are suffering from an ear infection. Once it is treated, the symptoms – including tinnitus – resolve.