APEA Pathophysiology – Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat (EENT) Practice Exam

Tinnitus is often associated with various underlying causes, but exposure to loud noises is a particularly well-documented and common factor. Loud sounds can damage the hair cells within the cochlea of the inner ear, leading to hearing loss and the perception of ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds known as tinnitus. This damage may occur suddenly from a single incident, such as an explosion, or gradually from prolonged exposure to loud environments, such as concerts or machinery.

Other potential causes, such as head trauma and chronic ear infections, may also contribute to tinnitus, but they are less frequent triggers compared to noise exposure. Allergic reactions can lead to temporary ear issues that may indirectly affect hearing, but they are not a primary cause of tinnitus itself. Thus, the link between loud noise exposure and the development of tinnitus is well established in both clinical observations and research studies, making it the most common cause among the listed options.