--- title: "Tinnitus: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers" description: "A plain-English guide to tinnitus — what causes ringing in the ears, what helps, and when to see a GP." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/tinnitus/ robots: noindex --- # Tinnitus: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers Health A–Z A plain-English guide to tinnitus — what causes ringing in the ears, what helps, and when to see a GP. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What is tinnitus? Tinnitus is hearing a sound, such as ringing, buzzing or humming, that does not come from an outside source. It is very common and often not a sign of anything serious. It can improve on its own, and there are ways to manage it, though it sometimes needs assessment by a GP. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Tinnitus, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 5 sections ## Key facts about tinnitus - Tinnitus is hearing a sound with no external source. - It is very common and often not serious. - It can be linked to hearing loss, earwax, or loud noise exposure. - It often improves, and there are ways to manage it. ## What is tinnitus? Tinnitus is the experience of hearing a sound that has no external source — commonly described as ringing, but it can also be buzzing, humming, whooshing or hissing. It is very common, can affect one or both ears, and for most people is not a sign of anything serious. ## What it can sound like People describe tinnitus differently. It may be: - ringing, buzzing or humming - whooshing or hissing - constant or coming and going - more noticeable in quiet surroundings, such as at night ## What causes it Tinnitus is often linked to some hearing loss, a build-up of earwax, exposure to loud noise, or an ear infection. Stress and tiredness can make it more noticeable. Sometimes no specific cause is found, which can be reassuring once more serious causes have been ruled out. ## Managing tinnitus Many people find tinnitus becomes less intrusive over time as the brain learns to tune it out. Things that help include: - using background sound to mask it, especially at bedtime - managing stress and getting enough rest - protecting your ears from loud noise - relaxation techniques If an underlying cause such as earwax is found, treating it may ease the tinnitus. For persistent or distressing tinnitus, sound therapy and talking therapies can help, and a GP can refer you if needed. ## When to see a GP See a GP if tinnitus is persistent, worsening, or affecting your sleep or mood. Get it checked sooner if it is in one ear only, comes with hearing loss or dizziness, or pulses in time with your heartbeat — and seek urgent help for sudden tinnitus with sudden hearing loss or facial weakness. ## ! When to see a GP about tinnitus See a GP if tinnitus is persistent, getting worse, or affecting your sleep, mood or daily life. See a GP **soon** if tinnitus is only in one ear, comes with hearing loss or dizziness, or beats in time with your pulse — these need checking. Seek **urgent** advice if tinnitus comes on suddenly with sudden hearing loss, or alongside weakness or drooping on one side of the face. ## Common questions about tinnitus What causes tinnitus? Tinnitus is often linked to some degree of hearing loss, a build-up of earwax, exposure to loud noise, or ear infections. Sometimes no specific cause is found. It can also be made more noticeable by stress and tiredness. Will my tinnitus go away? For many people tinnitus improves over time as the brain adjusts to it, and it may come and go. Treating any underlying cause, such as earwax or an ear infection, can help. Persistent tinnitus can usually be managed even if it does not disappear completely. How can I cope with tinnitus? Background sound (such as quiet music or a fan) can make it less noticeable, especially at night. Managing stress, protecting your hearing from loud noise, and relaxation techniques all help. For some people, sound therapy or talking therapies are useful. When should tinnitus be checked urgently? Get prompt advice if tinnitus is in one ear only, comes with hearing loss or dizziness, or pulses in time with your heartbeat. Sudden tinnitus with sudden hearing loss, or with facial weakness, needs urgent attention. ## Sources - [NHS — Tinnitus](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tinnitus/)