TINNITUS RESOURCES

If you're new to tinnitus, or trying to understand what someone close to you is going through, this is the place to start. Short, clear answers to the questions most people ask first.

WHAT IS TINNITUS?

Tinnitus is hearing a sound that has no outside source. It might be ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling, humming, roaring, or clicking. Some people hear it in one ear, some in both, some in the middle of their head. It can be constant, or come and go.

HOW COMMON IS IT?

Very common. A 2022 global meta-analysis estimated that more than 740 million adults worldwide live with tinnitus, with chronic tinnitus affecting around 1 in 10 adults. It's one of the most searched health topics online.

IS IT A DISEASE?

No. Tinnitus is a symptom, not an illness. It's often described as the brain's hearing system getting out of its usual balance, sometimes triggered by something physical (like a cold, an ear infection, or noise damage), and sometimes by a stressful life event.

WHO GETS IT?

Anyone can. It's more common with age, but children get it too. Men and women are affected at similar rates. Around 8 to 9 out of 10 people with chronic tinnitus have some degree of hearing loss, but plenty of people with completely normal hearing have it as well.

WHAT DOES IT SOUND LIKE?

Different for everyone. "Ringing in the ears" is the common shorthand, but the actual sound varies hugely from person to person. It might be a high-pitched whistle for one person and a low rumble for another.

A small number of people hear musical tones or even tunes, a related but distinct condition called musical ear syndrome.

WHAT ABOUT PULSATILE TINNITUS?

Most tinnitus is a steady or fluctuating sound. A smaller group experience pulsatile tinnitus, a rhythmic noise that beats in time with the heartbeat. It's usually linked to blood flow in the head or neck, and it's always worth getting checked by a GP.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

There's rarely one single cause. In fact, around 200 different health conditions are known to be able to trigger tinnitus as a symptom. The most common triggers and links are:

  • Hearing loss (age-related or otherwise)

  • Exposure to loud noise (concerts, headphones, power tools, machinery, military service)

  • A buildup of earwax

  • Ear infections or sinus problems

  • Head, neck, or jaw injuries

  • Stress and anxiety

  • Certain medications (especially high-dose aspirin, frequent NSAID use, some antibiotics, some chemotherapy drugs)

  • Underlying conditions like Meniere's disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes

For a lot of people, no specific cause is ever found.

IS THERE A CURE?

Not yet. But this is the part most people don't realise: for many people, the brain gradually learns to tune the sound out so it stops feeling intrusive, even if the sound itself doesn't change. This process is called habituation. For some it happens naturally over time. For others it takes support from therapies like sound therapy or CBT. Research into treatments and possible cures is ongoing.

HOW IS IT MANAGED?

There's no single fix that works for everyone, but the main approaches are:

  • Sound therapy. Using background sound to take attention off the tinnitus.

  • Hearing aids. If hearing loss is part of the picture, these often quieten the tinnitus too.

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Helps change how the brain reacts to the sound.

  • Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT). A longer-term programme that combines sound therapy and counselling.

  • Lifestyle changes. Better sleep, less stress, avoiding total silence, protecting your ears from loud noise.

  • Support groups and community. Talking to others who get it makes a real difference.

WHEN SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR?

Book in with your GP if:

  • The tinnitus is constant or keeps coming back

  • It's only in one ear

  • It pulses in time with your heartbeat

  • It's affecting your sleep, mood, or concentration

  • You've noticed your hearing change alongside it

A GP can check for treatable causes like earwax or infection, and refer you on if needed.

WHY DOES IT SEEM WORSE AT NIGHT?

Because it's quiet. Tinnitus stands out most when there's nothing else for your brain to listen to. That's why many people use background sound (a fan, white noise, low music) at bedtime.

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE HELP?

There are lots of useful tinnitus resources online to help you through troublesome tinnitus. You can find a list of useful support organisations in your region [here].