Tinnitus is not a disease in and of itself, but rather a symptom of some other underlying health condition. In most cases, tinnitus is a sensorineural reaction in the brain to damage in the ear and auditory system. While tinnitus is often associated with hearing loss, there are roughly 200 different health disorders that can generate tinnitus as a symptom. Below is a list of some of the most commonly reported catalysts for tinnitus.

- Exposure to loud noise

- Hearing loss

- A side effect of medication

- Ear or head injuries

- Sinus pressure and barometric trauma

- Emotional stress

- Ear infections

- Diseases of the ear

- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

- Or a combination of any of the above

For many people with tinnitus, the cause isn't clear. They may never have experienced any of the things mentioned above.