Ask The Doctor Ringing In The Ears

Overview

Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing a sound in your ears or head when there is no outside sound. It is often described as ringing, but it can also sound like buzzing, hissing, or whistling. Tinnitus is not a disease itself — it is a symptom of an underlying condition.

Yes. Tinnitus is very common. It affects millions of people worldwide, especially as they get older or after prolonged exposure to loud noise.

Tinnitus can affect anyone at any age, but it is more common in adults over 50, in people with hearing loss, and in people who work in noisy environments.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Ringing in one or both ears
• Buzzing, hissing, whistling, or humming sounds
• Sounds that come and go, or are always present
• Pulsing sound in time with your heartbeat (pulsatile tinnitus)

Symptoms in children

• Children may report an unusual sound in their ears
• They may seem distracted or have trouble concentrating
• They may be more irritable or have trouble sleeping

Symptoms in older adults

• Often related to age-related hearing loss
• May be more noticeable when hearing is worse
• Can affect balance if there is an underlying ear condition

Causes

Main causes

• Age-related hearing loss
• Exposure to very loud noises (e.g., concerts, machinery, headphones)
• Earwax buildup or ear infection
• Certain medicines that can damage the inner ear (ask your doctor or pharmacist)
• High blood pressure or blood flow problems
• Head or neck injury
• Meniere's disease, which affects the inner ear

Risk factors

• Being over 50
• Working in a noisy job without ear protection
• Frequent use of earbuds or headphones at high volumes
• Smoking and excessive alcohol use
• Anxiety and stress can make tinnitus more noticeable

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You hear a pulse in your ear that matches your heartbeat
• You have tinnitus in only one ear
• You also have sudden hearing loss or dizziness
• You have facial weakness or trouble speaking

Book a routine appointment if:

• Tinnitus that lasts longer than a week
• Tinnitus that affects your sleep or daily life
• Tinnitus that started after an ear injury
• Tinnitus that makes you anxious or depressed

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, check your ears for blockages, and review your medical history. They may refer you for a hearing test (audiogram) to check how well you hear at different pitches.

Tests that may be done

• Audiogram (hearing test)
• Ear examination with an otoscope
• Imaging scans (such as MRI or CT) if a serious cause is suspected
• Blood tests if a medical condition is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will likely examine your ears and hearing. They may ask you to describe the sound, when it started, and what makes it worse. Depending on the findings, you may be referred to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or an audiologist for more tests.

Treatment

Treatment for tinnitus depends on the cause. If an underlying issue like earwax, infection, or a medication problem is found, treating it may reduce or stop the noise. For most chronic tinnitus, there is no cure, but you can learn to manage it effectively with sound strategies and support.

Self-care at home

• Protect your ears from loud noise — wear earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments
• Keep the volume low on headphones and earbuds
• Use quiet background sound (like a fan or white noise machine) to mask the ringing at night
• Cut back on alcohol, smoking, and too much caffeine
• Learn relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises or meditation to reduce stress

Medical treatments

Doctors may recommend sound therapy, which uses external sounds to make your internal tinnitus less noticeable. Hearing aids can help if you have hearing loss. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a talking treatment that helps you change how you react to tinnitus. Tinnitus retraining therapy combines sound therapy and counselling. A doctor or specialist may also consider managing any underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure. Prescription medicine is not a direct cure for tinnitus, but treating the cause may improve symptoms.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely used for tinnitus. It may be considered for specific problems like a tumour on the hearing nerve or certain blood vessel conditions, but it is not a standard treatment for tinnitus alone.

Living with this condition

Living with tinnitus is about making it less intrusive. Keep background noise at a comfortable level, avoid silence by using soft music or nature sounds, and keep yourself busy with activities that take your attention away from the sound.

Lifestyle tips

• Use ear protection when at concerts, workshops, or around machinery
• Take regular breaks from loud noise
• Practise stress management like yoga or meditation
• Set up a relaxing bedtime routine to help you sleep
• Join a tinnitus support group to connect with others

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet and regular exercise support overall health and circulation. Some people find that cutting back on caffeine and alcohol helps reduce the loudness of tinnitus. Staying active also helps with stress and sleep, which can make tinnitus less bothersome.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Constant noise can be exhausting and may lead to anxiety, low mood, or trouble sleeping. It is important to talk to your doctor if you feel anxious or depressed. A mental health professional can help you build coping strategies.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent tinnitus, especially age-related hearing loss. But you can reduce your risk by protecting your ears from loud noise, keeping the volume down, and managing your overall health.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine that prevents tinnitus.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for tinnitus, but regular hearing checks can help catch hearing loss early.

Complications

If left untreated

• Tinnitus is rarely dangerous, but without support it can lead to sleep problems
• It may cause anxiety or low mood
• It can make it hard to concentrate at work or in daily life
• If it is caused by an underlying problem (like an ear infection), that problem may worsen without treatment

Long-term outlook

For most people, tinnitus does not go away completely, but it becomes less noticeable over time. With the right support and management, many people are able to live a full life and are not significantly bothered by the sound.

Find support

International organisations

• British Tinnitus Association ↗
• American Tinnitus Association ↗

Local organisations

• NHS.UK Tinnitus information ↗ · United Kingdom

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