• Exposure to loud noise: Prolonged exposure to loud noise can potentially damage the tiny hairy sensory cells of the ear. These cells are responsible for transmitting the sound signals to the brain. People whose work environment is excessively noisy such as in factories, construction sites, music studios etc. are more prone to experience tinnitus. Even people who use earphones for longer durations may be at risk of damaging the sensory cells leading to tinnitus.
• Age: With age the number of nerve fibers in the ears starts declining causing hearing problems along with tinnitus.
• Sex: Men are more at risk than women.
• Smoking: Tinnitus is experienced by those who are chronic smokers.
• Heart Problems: Conditions like high blood pressure and narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis) can increase the risk of getting tinnitus.