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Worried about tinnitus?

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This page summarises publicly available NHS information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or a diagnosis. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is hearing sounds that come from inside your body rather than an outside source — commonly ringing, buzzing, humming, or hissing. It can affect one or both ears and may be constant or come and go. Tinnitus is usually linked to hearing loss, ear infections, or noise exposure. It's rarely a sign of something serious. Treatment focuses on managing the impact on daily life.

When NHS resources suggest seeing a GP

  • Tinnitus is regular or constant.
  • It's getting worse over time.
  • It's affecting your sleep, concentration, or mood.
  • You have tinnitus with hearing loss.
  • You have tinnitus with dizziness or vertigo.
  • Tinnitus is pulsing in time with your heartbeat (pulsatile tinnitus) — this needs investigation.
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Self-care information from NHS

  • Try relaxation techniques — deep breathing, yoga, or mindfulness can reduce the distress tinnitus causes.
  • Use background sounds to distract from tinnitus — a fan, radio, or nature sounds at bedtime.
  • Avoid complete silence, especially when trying to sleep.
  • Protect your ears from loud noise — wear earplugs at concerts or when using power tools.
  • Cut down on caffeine and alcohol if they seem to worsen symptoms.
  • Consider a hearing aid if you also have hearing loss — amplifying external sounds can mask tinnitus.

Common questions

Can tinnitus be cured?

There's no cure for most tinnitus, but many people find it becomes less noticeable over time. Treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), sound therapy, and hearing aids can significantly reduce its impact on daily life.

What causes tinnitus?

Common causes include age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, earwax build-up, ear infections, and stress. Less commonly, it can be linked to conditions like Meniere's disease, anaemia, or thyroid problems.

When is tinnitus a sign of something serious?

Pulsatile tinnitus (hearing your heartbeat) should always be checked as it can indicate a vascular condition. Tinnitus in only one ear, or with sudden hearing loss, also needs investigation. Most tinnitus is benign.

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This page is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your individual situation. NorMed organises publicly available NHS information and is not affiliated with the NHS.