Tinnitus due to cochlear irritations
Abstract
Degenerations, chemical, as well as physical hazards amongst external sources lead to untoward changes in inner ear functions, which frequently go together with the subjective sign of tinnitus.
Chemical hazards can arise due to the presence of toxic or irritating gases, vapours from paints, lubricants or chemical solvents, gluing and sticking materials, and especially from aminoglycosidic antibiotics, etc.
With the 3 pathomechanisms mentioned above (otosclerosis, aminoglycosides and specific viruses) changes in the hearing function are observed; manifested by different degrees of hypoacusia concerning air and bone conduction in the pure tone audiometry going together with a maskable or an unmaskable tinnitus.
The underlying changes also lead to accompanying vestibular disturbances, which as well can be explained by mechanical, toxic and other pathogenic mechanisms.