Tinnitus in children

Overview

Tinnitus is a noise or ringing in the ears that only the person can hear. In children, it can sound like buzzing, hissing, whistling, or clicking that comes from inside the ear, not from outside.

Tinnitus is fairly common in children. Many children report hearing sounds in their ears at some point, but it often goes away on its own.

Tinnitus can affect children of any age, including young children and teenagers. It is more common in children with hearing problems or those who have had ear infections.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whistling in the ears
• Sounds that seem to come from inside the head
• Difficulty concentrating because of the noise
• Trouble sleeping due to the sound

Symptoms in children

• Children may not be able to describe the sound clearly; they might say 'my ear is making a noise'.
• They may seem distracted, irritable, or rub at their ears.
• Some children say the noise is like a train, a motor, or a whistle.

Causes

Main causes

• Ear infections or fluid in the middle ear
• Wax buildup in the ear canal
• Exposure to very loud noises (like loud music or toys)
• Certain medications (rare in children)
• Head or neck injuries
• Jaw problems (TMJ)
• Less commonly, conditions like Meniere's disease or acoustic neuroma

Risk factors

• Frequent ear infections
• Exposure to loud noises (e.g., headphones at high volume, concerts)
• Family history of tinnitus or hearing loss
• Earwax buildup
• Certain health conditions like anaemia or high blood pressure (less common in children)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Tinnitus that starts suddenly after a head injury
• Tinnitus with sudden hearing loss
• Tinnitus with dizziness, vertigo, or loss of balance

Book a routine appointment if:

• Tinnitus that lasts for more than a few weeks
• Tinnitus that bothers your child or affects sleep or school
• Tinnitus with ear pain, discharge, or feeling of blockage
• You are worried about your child's hearing

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about the child's symptoms, any recent infections or noise exposure, and will examine the ears. They may also test the child's hearing.

Tests that may be done

• Listening test (audiogram) to check hearing levels
• Tympanometry to check middle ear function
• If needed, a referral to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will try to find the cause of the tinnitus. They will ask you and your child questions and may use a small light to look inside the ear. A hearing test is painless and involves listening to sounds through headphones.

Treatment

Treatment for tinnitus in children depends on the cause. If the tinnitus is due to an ear infection or wax, treating that often stops the noise. For ongoing tinnitus, the focus is on helping your child manage the sound so it doesn't bother them.

Self-care at home

• Protect your child's ears from loud noises (use earplugs at concerts or near loud machinery).
• Keep the volume low on headphones and screens.
• Help your child relax before bedtime – white noise machines or soft music can mask the tinnitus.
• Encourage a healthy diet and regular exercise, which can improve overall wellbeing.

Medical treatments

If a specific cause is found, such as an ear infection, your doctor will treat that. For more persistent tinnitus, a specialist may recommend sound therapy (using background sounds to make the tinnitus less noticeable) or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help change how the child reacts to the noise. The doctor may also suggest a hearing aid if there is hearing loss. No specific medications are recommended for tinnitus in children except to treat underlying conditions, and the doctor will advise on this.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for tinnitus in children. It may be considered if there is a structural problem in the ear, such as a tumour (very rare) or a severe middle ear condition that doesn't respond to other treatments. Your specialist will discuss this if relevant.

Living with this condition

Living with tinnitus can be challenging for a child, but most children learn to ignore the sound over time. A calm and supportive home environment helps. Reassure your child that the sound is not dangerous.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a regular sleep routine.
• Avoid loud noises – use earplugs when needed.
• Limit headphone use and keep volume at safe levels.
• Encourage hobbies that distract from the noise.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet and regular physical activity help overall health, which can make it easier to cope with tinnitus. Caffeine and high sugar levels might make tinnitus worse for some children, so limiting these can be helpful.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Tinnitus can cause anxiety, frustration, or trouble sleeping in some children. It can affect concentration at school. If your child seems stressed or moody, talk to a doctor, who may recommend counselling or support.

Prevention

Not all cases of tinnitus can be prevented, but you can reduce the risk by protecting your child's ears from loud noises and treating ear infections promptly.

Vaccines

Vaccinations that prevent infections like meningitis or otitis media can reduce the risk of ear problems that might lead to tinnitus. Follow the recommended immunisation schedule for your child.

Screening programmes

Routine hearing checks are not usually needed unless there are concerns. But if your child has risk factors (e.g., frequent ear infections), the doctor may suggest regular hearing tests.

Complications

If left untreated

• If tinnitus is caused by an untreated ear infection, it could lead to hearing loss or damage to the middle ear.
• Persistent severe tinnitus can cause sleep problems, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating at school.

Long-term outlook

For most children, tinnitus is temporary and goes away on its own. Even when it lasts longer, many children learn to ignore the sound and it does not affect their daily life. With the right support and management, children with tinnitus can lead happy, healthy lives.

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