What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is when you have ringing or other noises in your ears. People with tinnitus hear sounds that aren't being made.

Up to 1 in 5 people have tinnitus at some point in their life. Tinnitus is more common in older people.

Tinnitus can come and go, or you might have it all the time. Some people find their tinnitus is an irritation they can learn to live with. For others, it can be very distressing.

There are 2 main types of tinnitus:

1. Subjective tinnitus — which only you can hear. This is the most common type.
2. Objective tinnitus — which your doctor can also hear when they examine you.

Objective tinnitus can be caused by noise coming from:

• a blood vessel in your head or neck
• your temporomandibular joint (the joint that connects the jaw to your skull)

What symptoms are related to tinnitus?

Tinnitus is sometimes known as 'ringing in the ears', but you might hear:

• humming sounds
• hissing
• whistling
• clicking
• roaring
• whooshing
• buzzing

The noise can be faint or loud. It can happen in one or both ears. Sometimes you may feel the noise inside your head.

Some people with tinnitus also have signs of hearing loss or vertigo.

In some cases, people describe pulsating (throbbing) sounds. This is called pulsatile tinnitus.

What causes tinnitus?

Causes of tinnitus include:

• hearing loss
• a build-up of ear wax
• exposure to loud noises
• ear infections or inflammation
• problems with the inner ear

Tinnitus can also be caused by other health problems:

• Ménière's disease
• tumours
• some medicines
• head injuries

Sometimes it's not clear why you get tinnitus.

Tinnitus is more common in people who have some hearing loss or other ear problems. But it can also happen in people with normal hearing.

Both adults and children can get tinnitus. Older people are more likely to experience tinnitus because of age-related hearing loss.

How is the cause of tinnitus diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you, which will include checking your ears.

Your doctor may check your hearing and refer you to an audiologist for hearing tests.

Depending on your other symptoms, your doctor may arrange for you to have an MRI or CT scan.

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you have symptoms of tinnitus or hearing loss.

How is tinnitus treated?

Treatment will depend on the cause of your tinnitus and how much it is bothering you.

Your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist for further tests and treatment.

There are some treatments that may help with your tinnitus.

Many people get used to tinnitus — they are said to 'habituate' so their brain doesn't notice the sounds anymore.

Self-care at home

There are some things you can do to help with tinnitus. Relax and avoid stress, as stress can make tinnitus worse.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about medicines that can make tinnitus worse. These medicines include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) and some antidepressant medicines.

To avoid your tinnitus getting worse, wear ear plugs or headphones if you are:

• using noisy equipment, such as a lawn mower
• in a loud environment, such as a rock concert

Hearing aids

Good quality, properly fitted hearing aids can reduce and even stop tinnitus associated with hearing loss.

Hearing aids reduce the strain of listening. They can also distract you from the tinnitus by helping you hear more sounds from your surroundings.

Sound therapy

Sound therapy involves listening to an external sound to distract you from your tinnitus. Your doctor or audiologist can tell you more about this treatment.

Psychological therapy

A type of psychological therapy called 'cognitive behavioural therapy' (CBT) can help reduce distress related to tinnitus. Your doctor may refer you to a psychologist for this treatment.

Complications of tinnitus

It's well known that tinnitus can be distressing. There is a link between tinnitus and anxiety and depression.

If you are distressed by your tinnitus, talk to your doctor about getting support.

Can tinnitus be prevented?

Prevention will depend on what is causing your tinnitus. But not all types of tinnitus can be prevented.

Avoiding noisy surroundings and wearing ear plugs or headphones may help prevent tinnitus.

Tinnitus that is caused by certain medicines can be prevented.

Resources and support

Tinnitus Awareness has information and support for people with tinnitus.

Contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 for support and advice about anxiety and depression.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.