From the Guidelines
Tinnitus characterized by an ocean-like sound is likely caused by an underlying condition such as Meniere's disease, labyrinthitis, or otosclerosis 1.
Possible Causes
- Meniere's disease, a disorder of the inner ear that affects balance and hearing, can cause tinnitus that sounds like the ocean, as well as vertigo, hearing loss, and ear fullness 1.
- Labyrinthitis, an inner ear infection, can also cause tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing loss, and may be accompanied by symptoms such as ear pain and fever.
- Otosclerosis, a condition that affects the middle ear, can cause tinnitus, hearing loss, and vertigo, and may be accompanied by symptoms such as ear fullness and difficulty hearing.
Other Potential Causes
- Certain medications, such as aspirin, quinine, or certain antibiotics like gentamicin, may contribute to tinnitus 1.
- Earwax buildup or a middle ear infection can also cause similar symptoms.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A healthcare professional may recommend a hearing test, balance test, or imaging studies like an MRI or CT scan to determine the underlying cause of the tinnitus 1. Treatment options may include:
- Medications like betahistine or meclizine to alleviate vertigo and dizziness associated with Meniere's disease.
- Antibiotics to treat underlying infections.
- Sound therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy to help manage tinnitus symptoms. It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience sudden or severe tinnitus, as it can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition 1.
From the Research
Causes of Tinnitus Characterized by an Ocean-Like Sound
- The exact causes of tinnitus characterized by an ocean-like sound are not explicitly stated in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, tinnitus is defined as the perception of sound without an external source, and it can be generated from the higher auditory centers due to reduced feedback from the peripheral or neural component 3.
- Tinnitus can be an outcome of irritation at different levels of the auditory system, and several treatment modalities have been tried in its management, including sound therapy 3, 4, 6.
Sound Therapy for Tinnitus Management
- Sound therapy has increased in popularity due to its potential for increased efficacy and fewer side effects, and it can be used to manage tinnitus characterized by an ocean-like sound 4, 6.
- Unpredictable surf-like sounds have been found to be a feasible tinnitus treatment, and they can be played using a personal music player 6.
- The use of sound therapy for tinnitus management is supported by studies that have found it to be effective in alleviating tinnitus symptoms 4.
Mechanisms of Tinnitus Generation
- The mechanisms of tinnitus generation are complex and involve the auditory system, and several factors can contribute to its development, including hearing loss and auditory nerve damage 2, 3, 5.
- Neuromodulation techniques, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, have emerged as potential options for tinnitus treatment, and they aim to alter nerve activity through targeted delivery of a stimulus 5.