Xiao Xu, a resident of Tiexi District (Shenyang), has suffered from tinnitus for nearly two years. He can't recall exactly when it began. "For some reason, my ears constantly buzz. At first, shaking my head would help, but now it only gets worse. Tests show nothing wrong, and it's driving me crazy. Could your newspaper help me find an expert?"" Hearing this, Xiao Xu's mother shook her head and said, "Ever since he failed the college entrance exam, he's been in a constant bad mood, eating poorly and sleeping badly, always gloomy. I think the tinnitus is caused by psychological issues." To the reporter's surprise, Xiao Xu became furious upon hearing this, snapping, "I've told you a hundred times, it has nothing to do with that!" before slamming the door and storming off.Xiao Xu's mother shook her head. "Ever since his tinnitus started, his whole personality changed."
The reporter consulted Professor Zhu Gang from the Department of Psychology at the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University about Xiao Xu's case. "If Xiao Xu undergoes a thorough hospital examination and no organic disease is found, it's most likely a functional issue—such as tinnitus caused by anxiety disorder."Zhu Gang explained that tinnitus is a common symptom of depression and anxiety disorders, frequently accompanying these conditions. Patients often experience heightened sensitivity to sounds due to emotional distress. Clinically, psychologically induced tinnitus is not uncommon, with duration varying widely—some cases persisting for over a decade. Mild symptoms may impair quality of life, while severe cases can render normal functioning impossible.
Since tinnitus in these patients stems from anxiety and depression, treating these conditions is paramount. Many functional tinnitus patients experience significant emotional improvement after systematic antidepressant and anti-anxiety therapy, leading to reduced or even eliminated tinnitus.