Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

If you’re hearing ringing, buzzing, or humming sounds that others can’t hear, you’re experiencing tinnitus. You’re not alone - tinnitus affects around 10-15% of the UK population. While there’s no instant cure, understanding tinnitus is the first step toward managing it effectively.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there’s no external source. People describe it in many ways:

Ringing - the most commonly reported sound
Buzzing - like electrical humming
Hissing - similar to static or steam
Whooshing - like wind or waves
Humming - a low, constant tone
Clicking - rhythmic clicking sounds
Pulsing - beating in time with your heartbeat

Tinnitus can be:

In one ear, both ears, or seeming to come from the centre of your head
Constant or intermittent
Quiet or intrusive
A single sound or multiple sounds

What Causes Tinnitus?

Tinnitus isn’t a disease itself - it’s a symptom that can have many underlying causes:

Hearing Loss

The most common association. When your hearing decreases, your brain may “fill in” the missing sound input, creating tinnitus. This is why many people with hearing loss also experience tinnitus, and why hearing aids often help with both.

Noise Exposure

Loud noise can damage the delicate hair cells in your inner ear. This damage can trigger tinnitus, whether from:

A single very loud event (concert, explosion, machinery)
Prolonged exposure to moderate noise (workplace noise, loud music through headphones)

Ear Wax Blockage

A buildup of ear wax can cause temporary tinnitus by pressing against the eardrum. The good news is this type usually resolves once the wax is removed.

Ear Infections

Middle or inner ear infections can cause inflammation that triggers tinnitus. This often improves once the infection clears.

Medications

Some medications can cause or worsen tinnitus, including:

High doses of aspirin
Certain antibiotics
Some cancer medications
Some antidepressants
Quinine

If you think medication might be causing your tinnitus, speak to your GP - don’t stop taking prescribed medication without advice.

Other Causes

Less common causes include:

Meniere’s disease
TMJ (jaw joint) disorders
Head or neck injuries
Acoustic neuroma (a rare, benign tumour)
Blood vessel disorders
Stress and anxiety

When Should You Seek Help?

You should see a healthcare professional about tinnitus if:

It’s new or has suddenly changed
It’s only in one ear
It pulses in time with your heartbeat
It’s accompanied by hearing loss or dizziness
It’s affecting your sleep, concentration, or mood
You’re feeling anxious or depressed because of it

Most tinnitus isn’t caused by anything serious, but it’s important to have it assessed, especially if it’s recent or one-sided.

How Is Tinnitus Diagnosed?

When you see an audiologist about tinnitus, they’ll typically:

Take a detailed history - When did it start? What does it sound like? What makes it better or worse?
Examine your ears - Looking for wax, infection, or other visible causes
Test your hearing - Hearing loss often accompanies tinnitus
Assess the tinnitus - Sometimes measuring its pitch and loudness
Discuss your options - Based on your individual situation

In some cases, you may be referred to an ENT specialist for further investigation.

Treatment and Management Options

While there’s no universal “cure” for tinnitus, many effective management strategies exist:

Sound Therapy

Many people find their tinnitus is most noticeable in quiet environments. Sound therapy uses background sounds to reduce the contrast between your tinnitus and silence. Options include:

White noise machines - Consistent, neutral sound
Nature sounds - Rain, waves, birdsong
Tinnitus apps - Many free options available
Fans or soft music - Simple background noise
Hearing aids with tinnitus features - Built-in sound generators

Hearing Aids

If you have hearing loss alongside tinnitus, hearing aids can help significantly. By amplifying external sounds, they:

Make tinnitus less noticeable by comparison
Reduce the strain of listening, lowering stress
Keep your brain stimulated with real sounds

Many modern hearing aids include specific tinnitus management programmes.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps change your emotional response to tinnitus. While it doesn’t reduce the sound, it can significantly reduce the distress it causes. Studies show CBT is one of the most effective treatments for tinnitus-related distress.

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)

This combines sound therapy with counselling to help your brain reclassify tinnitus as an unimportant background noise - similar to how you stop noticing a ticking clock.

Relaxation Techniques

Stress often makes tinnitus worse, creating a vicious cycle. Techniques that can help include:

Mindfulness meditation
Deep breathing exercises
Progressive muscle relaxation
Yoga or tai chi

Lifestyle Adjustments

Simple changes that may help:

Protect your hearing from loud noise
Reduce caffeine and alcohol - these can worsen tinnitus in some people
Improve your sleep - tiredness makes tinnitus harder to cope with
Stay active - exercise can reduce stress and improve mood
Avoid silence - keep some background sound going

Living Well With Tinnitus

Many people worry that tinnitus will get progressively worse or that they’ll never be able to cope. The reality is more positive:

Most people habituate - Over time, your brain learns to filter out the tinnitus, and it becomes less noticeable
It often fluctuates - Bad days don’t mean it’s getting permanently worse
Management works - The right combination of strategies can significantly improve quality of life
Support helps - Talking to others who understand can be valuable

Finding Support

If tinnitus is affecting your life, don’t suffer in silence. Support is available:

Your GP can rule out treatable causes and refer you if needed
Audiologists can assess your hearing and discuss management options
The British Tinnitus Association offers information and support groups
Online communities connect you with others who understand

Take the First Step

If you’re struggling with tinnitus, understanding your hearing health is an important first step. At Gloucester Hearing, we provide comprehensive tinnitus assessments and can discuss management strategies tailored to your situation.

Request a callback to speak with one of our hearing specialists about your tinnitus.