Are hearing loss and tinnitus related?
Craig Barth
M.A., CCC-A, FAAA
Yes, hearing loss and tinnitus are often related. About 90% of individuals with tinnitus also have hearing loss. Tinnitus is commonly linked to age-related hearing loss or an ear injury. The damage to hair cells in the cochlea, caused by factors like illness, injury, noise, or aging, is believed to contribute to the development of tinnitus. Tinnitus usually follows the pattern of the associated hearing loss. While tinnitus does not directly cause hearing loss, both conditions often occur together and can be caused by noise exposure.