A ringing, buzzing or hissing that nobody else can hear. This is tinnitus, a condition that is much more common than people think. The good news is that, even if it often doesn’t go away completely, there are many ways to live with it better.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is hearing a sound that doesn’t come from outside. It is not a disease but a symptom: a sign that something in the hearing system has changed. It can show up in different ways:
- as ringing, buzzing, rushing or hissing;
- constantly or only at certain times;
- in one ear, in both or «in the head»;
- louder in the evening or in silence, when there are no other sounds to cover it.
The most common causes
- Hearing loss, due to age or noise exposure: this is the most common cause.
- Loud noise: a concert, a club, a work tool used without ear protection.
- An earwax plug or an ear infection.
- Some medicines.
- Problems with the jaw or the neck.
Stress and tiredness are usually not the cause, but they can make it much more bothersome.
When to see a doctor straight away
See your doctor or an ear, nose and throat specialist straight away if your tinnitus:
- started suddenly, especially together with hearing loss;
- is in one ear only;
- is pulsing, in time with your heartbeat;
- comes with dizziness, pain or discharge;
- started after a head injury.
What can be done
There is no «magic pill» that makes tinnitus disappear. But there are several approaches that really help:
- Have your hearing tested. This is the first step: finding out whether there is hearing loss behind the tinnitus.
- Hearing aids. If there is hearing loss, they often help a lot: they bring the sounds of your surroundings back to the brain, and the tinnitus moves into the background. Many models also have a sound generator designed specifically for tinnitus.
- Sound therapy. Pleasant background sounds (rain, the sea, a fan) make tinnitus less noticeable, especially in the evening.
- Managing stress and sleep. Relaxation techniques, exercise and good rest reduce the distress.
- Support from a specialist. Approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy help change the way the brain reacts to tinnitus.
Small everyday tips
- Avoid complete silence, especially when going to sleep: a soft background sound helps.
- Protect your ears from loud noise, with suitable ear plugs for concerts and noisy work.
- Notice whether coffee, alcohol or stress make it worse, and take that into account.
- Try not to «listen to it» all the time: focusing on other things helps the brain ignore it.
💬 It is not «all in your head»
Tinnitus is real, and the distress it causes should be taken seriously. Talking to a professional is the first step to finding the right strategy for you.
🎧 Try TinniAPP, for free
I created an app for people living with tinnitus: soothing sounds to mix, guided breathing exercises and a diary to find out what helps you. It opens in your browser, with no sign-up, and works offline too.
Any questions?
If you have questions about your hearing or about hearing aids, write to me: I will reply personally.
This article is for general information only and does not replace a medical examination or professional advice.
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