Tinnitus

Key Points

Overview

Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sounds like ringing, buzzing, or whooshing when no external sound is present. These sounds can occur in one or both ears, or within your head, and may be constant or come and go. It's a common condition that is not typically a sign of a serious underlying health problem. The exact cause of tinnitus isn't always clear, but it's often linked to some form of hearing loss, certain medical conditions like Ménière's disease, diabetes, or thyroid disorders. Anxiety, depression, and some medications (including certain antibiotics, NSAIDs, and aspirin) can also contribute to or worsen tinnitus. Managing tinnitus involves various approaches, from self-help strategies like relaxation and sound therapy to professional treatments. Your doctor may check for treatable causes like earwax or infection and can refer you to specialists for further tests or therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or tinnitus retraining therapy. Hearing aids may also be recommended if you have hearing loss.

Signs and Symptoms

• Ringing sound
• Buzzing noise
• Whooshing sensation
• Humming or hissing
• Throbbing sound
• Music or singing
• Sounds in one or both ears or head
• Sounds may come and go

Things That Increase the Risk

• Hearing loss
• Ménière's disease
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• Multiple sclerosis
• Anxiety or depression
• Certain medications (e.g., chemotherapy, antibiotics, NSAIDs, aspirin)

Diagnosis

• GP examines ears for infection or earwax
• GP checks for hearing loss
• Referral to specialist for further tests
• Urgent GP visit for pulse-synchronous tinnitus
• Emergency care for tinnitus after head injury
• Emergency care for tinnitus with sudden hearing loss, facial weakness, or vertigo

Treatment & Management

• Relaxation techniques (deep breathing, yoga)
• Improved sleep habits
• Avoiding stress and loud background noises
• Joining support groups
• Sound therapy (soft music or background sounds)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Tinnitus counselling
• Tinnitus retraining therapy
• Hearing aids for hearing loss

Prevention

• Protect ears from loud noise exposure
• Manage underlying health conditions (e.g., diabetes, thyroid issues)
• Reduce stress and anxiety levels
• Discuss medication side effects with your doctor
• Maintain a regular sleep routine

Related Diseases

• Hearing Loss
• Ménière's Disease
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Thyroid Disorders
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Tinnitus: