tinnitus CT scan preparation

Overview

Tinnitus is the experience of hearing a sound, such as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whooshing, when there is no outside sound causing it. It is a symptom, not a disease itself. A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of the ears, skull, and nearby tissues. When tinnitus is persistent, unusual, or only in one ear, a doctor may recommend a CT scan to look for structural causes.

Yes. Tinnitus is very common. Around 1 in 8 adults in the UK has some form of tinnitus, and it becomes more common with age.

Anyone can develop tinnitus, including children. It is more often seen in older adults, people with hearing loss, and people who are exposed to loud noise over time.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Ringing, buzzing, hissing, humming, or whooshing sounds
• The sound may be constant or come and go
• The sound may be in one ear or both ears
• Difficulty concentrating or falling asleep because of the noise

Symptoms in children

• Children may say their ear is making a noise
• They may seem distracted, restless, or unable to settle at bedtime
• They may rub or pull at an ear

Symptoms in older adults

• Tinnitus is often linked to age-related hearing loss
• The sound may seem louder in quiet rooms or at night
• It may be accompanied by dizziness or a feeling of fullness in the ear

Causes

Main causes

• Natural, age-related hearing loss
• Long-term exposure to loud noise
• Earwax blockage or ear infection
• Changes in the small bones of the middle ear
• Blood vessel problems near the ear
• Certain medicines that can affect hearing

Risk factors

• Being over 50
• Working or spending time in noisy environments
• Having high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease
• Previous head or neck injury
• Stress, poor sleep, or anxiety can make tinnitus more noticeable

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Tinnitus after a head injury
• Tinnitus with sudden hearing loss
• Tinnitus that pulses with your heartbeat
• Tinnitus with dizziness, balance problems, or weakness

Book a routine appointment if:

• Tinnitus that lasts longer than one week
• Tinnitus that makes it hard to sleep or concentrate
• Tinnitus in only one ear

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, hearing history, and any medicines you take. They will look inside your ears and may arrange a hearing test. If a structural cause is suspected, they may recommend a CT scan of the head or temporal bones. This helps show whether there are any changes in the bones, soft tissues, or blood vessels near the ear.

Tests that may be done

• A clinical examination of your ears
• A hearing test, sometimes called an audiogram
• A CT scan of the head or the bones around the ear
• An MRI scan in some cases, especially to look more closely at the hearing nerve

What to expect at your appointment

Before a CT scan, you will be asked to remove metal objects such as jewellery, glasses, and hairpins. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown. If contrast material is needed, a small needle or plastic tube is placed in a vein in your arm; you may feel a warm rush when it is injected. You will lie on a padded table that slides into a large, doughnut-shaped scanner. The scan is painless and usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. You may need to stay very still and hold your breath briefly. Tell the radiology team if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, have kidney problems, or have had an allergic reaction to contrast material before.

Treatment

There is no single cure for every type of tinnitus, but most people can manage it well. Treatment focuses on making the sound less bothersome and treating any underlying conditions such as hearing loss, earwax blockage, high blood pressure, or middle ear problems.

Self-care at home

• Use low-level background sound at night, such as a fan, soft music, or a white noise app
• Protect your ears from loud noise with earplugs or earmuffs
• Lower the volume on headphones and take listening breaks
• Try relaxation exercises like deep breathing, gentle stretching, or mindfulness
• Keep a regular sleep routine and avoid screen time close to bed

Medical treatments

Your healthcare professional may suggest sound therapy, hearing aids, cognitive behavioural therapy, or tinnitus retraining therapy. These approaches help the brain pay less attention to the sound. If an underlying condition like high blood pressure, an ear infection, or excessive earwax is found, treating that condition may also reduce tinnitus. Medicines are not normally used to cure tinnitus itself. Any treatment plan should be discussed with your doctor or audiologist.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for tinnitus. It may be considered only if a specific structural problem, such as a growth or bone abnormality, is found on imaging. An ear specialist will explain whether surgery is appropriate and what it would involve.

Living with this condition

Day-to-day life with tinnitus often becomes easier when you shift focus away from the sound and manage your response to it. In quiet rooms, try gentle background sound. Keep yourself mentally engaged during the day, but also build in times to relax. Many people find that the less they fight the sound, the less it bothers them.

Lifestyle tips

• Use earplugs or earmuffs in noisy places like concerts, workshops, and loud workplaces
• Keep your headphones at a safe volume
• Get regular sleep and try to keep consistent bedtimes
• Find a relaxation practice you can do daily, even for five minutes
• Ask family and friends to speak clearly rather than shout

Diet and exercise

Regular physical activity and a balanced diet support good blood flow and overall health. Some people notice that large amounts of caffeine, alcohol, or salty foods make tinnitus more noticeable. It can help to track your own triggers and make adjustments if you see a pattern.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a sound that will not stop can be frustrating and exhausting. It can affect sleep, concentration, and mood. These feelings are understandable and common. Talk to your doctor, audiologist, or a counsellor if tinnitus is affecting your emotional wellbeing. Getting support is an important step.

Prevention

Not all tinnitus can be prevented, but you can lower your risk by protecting your ears from loud noise, keeping headphone volume low, checking your hearing regularly, and looking after your overall health.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for tinnitus itself. However, staying up to date with recommended vaccines can help prevent some infections that may lead to ear and hearing problems.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for tinnitus, but regular hearing checks can help catch hearing changes early. If you notice any change in your hearing, mention it at your next doctor visit.

Complications

If left untreated

• Sleep problems and tiredness from constant noise
• Difficulty concentrating at work or in conversations
• Anxiety, low mood, or feeling frustrated
• If a structural cause is present and not investigated, it may stay undiagnosed for longer

Long-term outlook

Most tinnitus is not dangerous and is not a sign of a life-threatening illness. Many people notice that, with support and good management, the sound becomes less bothersome over time. It is realistic to feel hopeful about returning to a good quality of sleep and wellbeing.

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