Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the name that is used to describe hearing a sound in the absence of any external source. The noise is generated from within your own ‘hearing system’.

Tinnitus can involve various types of noise including a buzzing, ringing, humming, pulsing, hissing or whooshing sound. The sound can be constant or can come and go. It tends to be more noticeable when in a quiet environment or at night-time.

Tinnitus can occur in one or both ears and can vary in volume.

Tinnitus is quite common and is not usually a sign of anything serious. About 30% of people will experience tinnitus at some point in their lives but the number of people who live with persistent tinnitus is approximately 13% (over 1 in 8).

Tinnitus is more common in people who have hearing loss or other ear problems, but it can also be found in people with normal hearing.

Tinnitus can get better by itself but there are treatments that can help.

Most people who suffer from tinnitus find that they can continue their normal day-to-day activities. However, a small percentage of people with tinnitus report it as severely affecting them.

Causes:

Tinnitus is a symptom rather than a specific disease. The precise cause is not always clear although it is rarely the sign of anything more serious, particularly when it is bilateral (affects both ears).

Tinnitus is often linked to:

Selfcare and more information

  • relaxation – deep breathing or yoga may help
  • sleep hygiene, including sticking to a bedtime routine and cutting down on caffeine
  • avoid things that can make tinnitus worse, such as stress or loud background noises
  • self-help books or self-help techniques to help you cope better from the British Tinnitus Association (BTA)
  • join a support group – talking to other people with tinnitus may help you cope
  • avoid total silence – listening to soft music or sounds (called sound therapy) may distract you from the tinnitus
  • avoid focussing on it, as this can make it worse – hobbies and activities may take your mind off it

The British Tinnitus Association (BTA) has more information about sound therapy, and runs support groups and a free helpline on 0800 018 0527.

The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) also has a free Tinnitus helpline on 0808 808 6666.

When to consult your GP:

You should consult your GP if you are experiencing:

  • Troublesome or intrusive bilateral tinnitus for more than 6 weeks with significant impact on quality of life despite adequate self-treatment
  • Pulsatile tinnitus
  • Persistent one-sided tinnitus
  • Tinnitus with ear pain or discharge

You should call 999 or attend A&E if you have tinnitus:

  • after a head injury
  • with sudden hearing loss, weakness in the muscles of your face, or a spinning sensation (vertigo)

Your GP will look in your ears to see if your tinnitus is caused by something they can treat, like an ear infection or a build-up of earwax. They might also check for any hearing loss.

You may be referred to a specialist for further tests and treatment. Under normal circumstances such a referral would be to the audiologists (hearing test specialists) in the first instance. However, if your GP is concerned that there may be a more serious underlying cause for your tinnitus, they will refer you urgently to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.

Other Treatments:

If the cause of your tinnitus is unknown or cannot be treated, your GP or specialist may refer you for a type of talking therapy.

This could be:

  • tinnitus counselling – to help you learn about your tinnitus and find ways of coping with it
  • cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – to change the way you think about your tinnitus and reduce anxiety
  • tinnitus retraining therapy – using sound therapy to retrain your brain to tune out and be less aware of the tinnitus

Tinnitus retraining therapy may be available on the NHS for people with severe or persistent tinnitus. It is unclear if tinnitus retraining therapy works for everyone. It is widely available privately.

If tinnitus is causing you hearing loss, hearing aids.

Waiting for a specialist opinion

If you have been referred for a specialist opinion your details will be reviewed and it may be recommended that you are seen by a hospital clinician. Information to support you in choosing your preferred hospital, including waiting times can be found using the links below.

How long will I wait?

If a hospital assessment and/or treatment is clinically recommended your information will be sent to a specialist. Click below to find out more about waiting times for routine hospital assessment and/or treatment.

What support is available?