Tinnitus living in adults

Overview

Tinnitus is when you hear a sound that isn't coming from outside. It's often described as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whistling in the ears. It is a symptom of something else, not a disease itself.

Yes, tinnitus is very common. Many people experience it, especially as they get older.

Anyone can get tinnitus, but it is more common in adults over 60 and in people who are often around loud noise.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Ringing in one or both ears
• Buzzing or hissing sounds
• Whistling or clicking sounds
• Sounds that seem to pulse in time with your heartbeat (pulsatile tinnitus)
• Sounds that are constant or come and go

Symptoms in children

• Children may report ringing or buzzing sounds, but they might not describe it clearly.
• Tinnitus in children is often linked to ear infections, earwax, or loud noise exposure.
• It can affect their sleep or concentration.

Symptoms in older adults

• More common due to age-related hearing loss.
• May be constant and more bothersome.
• Often happens along with difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds.

Causes

Main causes

• Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)
• Exposure to loud noise (e.g., concerts, machinery, headphones at high volume)
• Earwax buildup blocking the ear canal
• Ear infections or middle ear problems
• Certain medications (e.g., aspirin, some antibiotics, quinine)
• Meniere's disease (a disorder of the inner ear)
• Head or neck injuries
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Blood vessel problems near the ear

Risk factors

• Age over 60
• Being male
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Frequent loud noise exposure without ear protection

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Tinnitus that comes on suddenly with hearing loss or dizziness – see a doctor as soon as possible.
• Tinnitus after a head injury – this needs urgent medical attention.

Book a routine appointment if:

• See a doctor if tinnitus lasts longer than a week.
• If tinnitus affects your sleep, concentration, or mood.
• If you have one-sided tinnitus or hearing loss that is not sudden.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and check your ears with a small light (otoscope). They may also refer you for a hearing test.

Tests that may be done

• Hearing test (audiogram) – measures how well you hear different sounds
• Ear examination with an otoscope to check for earwax, infection, or other problems
• Sometimes imaging tests like MRI or CT scan if a rare cause (e.g., blood vessel problem) is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

You may first see your GP. If needed, they will refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or an audiologist for further tests and advice.

Treatment

Treatment for tinnitus depends on the cause. Often there is no cure, but many people find relief with self-help strategies and sound therapy. The goal is to make the tinnitus less bothersome.

Self-care at home

• Avoid loud noises – use earplugs or ear defenders in noisy places.
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
• Reduce caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine – these can make tinnitus worse.
• Get enough sleep – if tinnitus wakes you, use a white noise machine or app.
• Try sound therapy – listen to soft music, nature sounds, or a fan to mask the tinnitus.

Medical treatments

If self-care is not enough, your doctor may suggest cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to change how you think about the sound, or tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) which combines sound therapy and counselling. Hearing aids can help if you also have hearing loss. For very severe cases, a specialist might recommend medications to help with sleep or anxiety, but always discuss options with your doctor – never take any medication without advice.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. It may be considered if tinnitus is caused by a treatable problem like a blood vessel issue (e.g., a vascular tumour) or a rare inner ear condition. Your specialist will explain if this applies to you.

Living with this condition

Many people learn to ignore the tinnitus sound over time. Using background noise – like a fan, radio, or white noise machine – can make it less noticeable. Focus on activities you enjoy to distract yourself.

Lifestyle tips

• Try to avoid silence – keep some background noise in your environment.
• Practice good sleep hygiene – go to bed at the same time, avoid screens before sleep.
• Limit alcohol, caffeine, and smoking – these can make tinnitus more noticeable.
• Use relaxation techniques to lower stress levels.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise can improve blood flow and reduce stress, which may help with tinnitus. There is no specific diet proven to cure tinnitus, but staying healthy overall is beneficial.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Tinnitus can sometimes lead to anxiety, depression, or trouble sleeping. It is important to talk to your doctor if you feel low or overwhelmed. They can refer you to a counsellor or mental health professional.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent tinnitus, but you can lower your risk. Protect your ears from loud noise by wearing earplugs or earmuffs. Keep your blood pressure under control, and avoid smoking. Also, be careful with medications that can damage hearing (talk to your doctor or pharmacist).

Screening programmes

Have your hearing checked regularly, especially if you are over 60 or often exposed to loud noise. Early detection of hearing loss can help you manage it better.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic tinnitus can lead to anxiety and depression
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing at work or school
• Sleep problems, including trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
• Social withdrawal because of frustration with the sound

Long-term outlook

For most people, tinnitus improves over time or becomes less bothersome. With the right support and self-care, many people learn to live well with it. Even if it does not go away completely, it often has less impact on your daily life.

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