I had a strong feeling that I was developing tinnitus after my my usage of Apple's airpods[1] for meetings, video calls (personal and Official) and such, especially after years of Work From Home. I used to get puss from my ears, and sometimes that tweet/humming sound after a long day's use.
Later I switched to Bone Conduction headphones. I felt like BC Headphones has improved my condition a lot. No ear pain or puss or the humming noise. I hope it stays that way!
Any in-ear headphones can cause ear infections from prolonged use, the airtight seal makes for a nice humid environment bacteria like.
The solution is to not wear them as long, especially right after a shower or the like, when there is extra moisture in your ear.
Alternatively you can put alcohol in your ears to kill the bacteria, sort of like you’d do with mouthwash. Any pharmacy will sell over the counter ear drops with alcohol, meant for drying out swimmers ear. You’d have to keep doing it once every week or two, but it would keep the infection away.
I read this a lot. My explanation is that it does not cause it but it does place you in silent environment (via noise cancellation) more often than you're used to, and that's exactly where you're likely to notice your existing tinnitus.
If you live in a noisy place, your noise levels might be high enough that you never even get the chance to notice it. AC alone might be enough to cover it if it's little.
Later I switched to Bone Conduction headphones. I felt like BC Headphones has improved my condition a lot. No ear pain or puss or the humming noise. I hope it stays that way!
[1] - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=35023808