Find a Tinnitus Specialist
Tinnitus - the perception of sounds like ringing, buzzing, humming, or hissing in your ears when no external sound is present - affects millions of people in the UK. While it can be distressing, effective management strategies can significantly improve quality of life.
We connect you with experienced audiologists in Gloucester who provide comprehensive tinnitus assessments and personalised management plans to help you understand and cope with your tinnitus.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound that doesn't come from an external source. People describe it in different ways:
- Ringing
- Buzzing
- Humming
- Hissing
- Whistling
- Whooshing
- Clicking
Tinnitus can be constant or intermittent, and can vary in loudness. It may be in one ear, both ears, or seem to come from the centre of your head.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Tinnitus isn't a disease itself but a symptom that can have many causes:
- Hearing loss - The most common association, especially age-related
- Noise exposure - Loud music, workplace noise, or sudden loud sounds
- Ear wax - Buildup can cause temporary tinnitus
- Ear infections - Can trigger or worsen tinnitus
- Medications - Some drugs can cause tinnitus as a side effect
- Stress and anxiety - Can trigger or worsen symptoms
- Medical conditions - Including Meniere's disease and TMJ disorders
What a Tinnitus Assessment Includes
A comprehensive tinnitus assessment typically includes:
Detailed Case History
The audiologist discusses your tinnitus in detail - when it started, what it sounds like, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects your daily life.
Hearing Assessment
A full hearing test is essential, as hearing loss is closely linked to tinnitus. Understanding your hearing helps us recommend appropriate management.
Tinnitus Evaluation
We may measure the pitch and loudness of your tinnitus to help characterise it and monitor changes over time.
Discussion and Advice
The specialist explains the findings and discusses management options tailored to your situation.
Tinnitus Management Strategies
While there's no universal cure for tinnitus, many strategies can help:
Sound Therapy
Using background sounds to reduce the contrast between silence and your tinnitus. This can include white noise, nature sounds, or specially designed sound programmes.
Hearing Aids
If you have hearing loss, hearing aids can provide significant relief by amplifying external sounds and making tinnitus less noticeable. Many modern hearing aids include dedicated tinnitus management features.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
This therapy helps change your emotional response to tinnitus. While it doesn't reduce the sound, it can significantly reduce distress and improve coping.
Relaxation Techniques
Stress often worsens tinnitus. Techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and tinnitus perception.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Simple changes can help:
- Protect your hearing from loud noise
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol
- Get regular exercise
- Maintain good sleep habits
- Manage stress effectively
When to Seek Help
You should seek professional advice about tinnitus if:
- It's new or has changed recently
- It's in one ear only
- It's affecting your sleep, concentration, or mood
- It's accompanied by hearing loss or dizziness
- It's pulsing in time with your heartbeat
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tinnitus be cured?
While there's no universal cure, many people find significant relief through management strategies including sound therapy, hearing aids, and counselling. Many find their tinnitus becomes less noticeable over time.
What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus can have many causes including hearing loss, noise exposure, ear infections, ear wax, certain medications, and stress. Sometimes no specific cause is identified.
Should I see a doctor about my tinnitus?
Yes, it's important to have tinnitus assessed, especially if it's new, sudden, or only in one ear. An audiologist can recommend whether you need to see your GP or an ENT specialist.
Will hearing aids help my tinnitus?
For many people with both hearing loss and tinnitus, hearing aids provide significant relief. By amplifying external sounds, they make tinnitus less noticeable.