Tinnitus can sound different to each person, but common descriptions include:
The most common type, where only the sufferer hears the sounds. It can be caused by problems in the ear or the hearing nerve’s communication with the brain.
Rarely, others nearby can hear the tinnitus sounds. This is often due to a sound-producing issue, such as a narrowing of blood vessels or muscle contractions.
Noises that beat in time with your pulse, usually linked to disturbances in blood flow around the head or neck.
Tinnitus can be caused by various factors, including:
Recent studies have shown that people with tinnitus have been under stress more often than other people with ear, nose or throat problems. Tinnitus can be linked to long-term stress like work-related worries, or to a larger one-off incident such as a family bereavement.
Tinnitus could be a side effect of certain medication. Some some antidepressants and malaria treatments may trigger it. Certain types of pain relief, rheumatism medication and oral treatments for blood pressure could also play a part.
Loud noise is the most common trigger for tinnitus. If you regularly spend time in a noisy environment for years hearing protection, you’re at a much higher risk of developing tinnitus. It can also be brought on by a sudden, very loud noise. Click here to read our section about hearing protection.
Some hearing experts believe that alcohol and nicotine are linked to tinnitus.
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Tinnitus can significantly affect quality of life, causing: Sleep problems: Difficulty sleeping due to constant noise. Concentration issues: Trouble focusing on tasks. Emotional impact: Anxiety, irritability, and sometimes depression. Dizziness and balance problems: Related to inner ear issues.
If you suspect you have tinnitus, consult with your GP or an audiologist. They may ask questions about your symptoms and perform tests to diagnose and assess the severity of the condition. This might include a hearing test to evaluate different frequencies and volumes or a physical examination of the ears.
While there is no single cure for tinnitus, various treatments can help manage the symptoms: Hearing Aids: Amplify external sounds to make tinnitus less noticeable and can include sound therapy features to mask tinnitus sounds. Sound Therapy: Uses white noise or other sounds to mask tinnitus, with options including sound machines, apps, and hearing aids with built-in sound generators. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps change the way you perceive tinnitus. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): Combines sound therapy with counseling to help you habituate to tinnitus. Medications and Supplements: Certain medications and supplements, like B12 and zinc, may provide relief. Lifestyle Changes: Stress reduction techniques such as yoga and meditation, as well as avoiding loud noises and wearing ear protection.
Symptoms include ringing, buzzing, whistling, humming, or hissing sounds in the ears, often accompanied by dizziness, vertigo, and difficulty concentrating.
Diagnosis involves consultation with a GP or audiologist, who will inquire about symptoms and conduct tests such as a hearing evaluation to assess its severity and type.
Currently, there is no known cure for tinnitus, but various treatments and management strategies can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Treatment options include using hearing aids with sound therapy features, sound machines or apps for masking, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and lifestyle changes such as stress management and avoiding loud noises.
Yes, hearing aids can help by amplifying external sounds and incorporating sound therapy features that make tinnitus less noticeable.
Manage tinnitus by adopting healthy habits such as protecting ears from loud noises, practicing relaxation techniques, using sound therapy devices, and seeking support from healthcare professionals.
Tinnitus duration varies based on the underlying cause. Short-term tinnitus may subside within days, while chronic tinnitus can persist but is manageable with treatment.
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