Tinnitus

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is when you hear sounds that aren't actually there. These sounds come from inside your ears or head, not from the world around you. It's very common and usually not serious.

What does tinnitus sound like?

People with tinnitus might hear:

• Ringing
• Buzzing
• Whooshing
• Humming
• Hissing
• Throbbing
• Music or singing

You might hear these sounds in one ear, both ears, or in your head. They can come and go, or be there all the time.

What causes tinnitus?

Doctors don't always know what causes tinnitus, but it's often linked to:

• Some hearing loss
• A condition called Ménière's disease (which affects the inner ear)
• Health conditions like diabetes, thyroid problems, or multiple sclerosis
• Feeling anxious or depressed
• Some medicines, including certain chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory painkillers, and aspirin

When should you see your GP?

Speak to your GP if:

• You have tinnitus regularly or all the time
• Your tinnitus is getting worse
• It's bothering you - affecting your sleep, concentration, or making you feel anxious or low

See your GP urgently if:

• Your tinnitus beats in time with your heartbeat

Emergency warning signs

Go to A&E or call 999 if you have tinnitus with:

• A recent head injury
• Sudden hearing loss
• Weakness in your face muscles
• A spinning feeling (feeling dizzy like the room is moving)

Don't drive yourself - ask someone else to drive you or call 999 for an ambulance.

What happens at your appointment?

Your GP will look in your ears to check for things they can treat, like:

• Ear infections
• Earwax build-up

They might also test your hearing. Sometimes they'll refer you to a specialist for more tests.

How to cope with tinnitus

Things that can help:

• Try to relax - deep breathing or yoga might help
• Work on better sleep - stick to a bedtime routine and cut down on caffeine
• Avoid stress and loud background noises when possible
• Join a support group - talking to others with tinnitus can help

Things to avoid:

• Complete silence - try soft music or gentle sounds to distract from the tinnitus
• Focusing on the tinnitus - hobbies and activities can take your mind off it

Tinnitus UK offers free support on 0800 018 0527 and can help you find local support groups.

Treatment options

If your GP can't find a treatable cause, they might refer you for talking therapy:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) - helps change how you think about tinnitus and reduces worry
• Tinnitus counselling - teaches you about your condition and coping strategies
• Tinnitus retraining therapy - uses sounds to help your brain learn to ignore the tinnitus

You'll usually be offered digital CBT first, which you can do online or through an app.

If you have hearing loss, hearing aids might help.

Remember, while tinnitus can be frustrating, it's rarely a sign of something serious and often improves on its own.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.