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.
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.
Common questions
- 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.