Causes Of Tinnitus To Look Out For

Inner Ear Muscle Spasms

Inner ear muscle spasms are a rare cause of tinnitus. While several muscles in the ear are vulnerable to spasms, the tensor tympani and stapedius muscles are the most common locations for the muscle spasms that produce tinnitus. Normally, the spasms are triggered by inflammation in the inner ear. Some patients with tinnitus who experience spasms of the ear muscles may have middle ear myoclonus, an especially rare form of tinnitus that affects an estimated six in every ten thousand individuals. Patients with this kind of tinnitus may benefit from the use of muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, and zygomatic pressure. Surgical interventions such as a tympanostomy might be beneficial for some individuals. During a tympanostomy, a specialist inserts a tube into the tympanic membrane so the pressure on both sides of the membrane is equalized. This procedure is most often performed on children. Some studies suggest ear muscle spasms could be connected to high levels of anxiety and stress, and patients might be offered anti-anxiety medication to ease the spasms.

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