What it is
It often gets better by itself. Treating a cause, such as earwax or an ear infection, can help.
If it continues, sound therapy, hearing aids, tinnitus counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can make it less noticeable and easier to live with.
Common signs
- Ringing, buzzing, hissing or humming in the ears
- A sound that may come and go or be constant
- A sound in time with your heartbeat (pulsatile tinnitus)
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
How it is usually diagnosed
- Ear examination
- Hearing tests
- Sometimes scans if the tinnitus is in one ear or pulsing
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Hearing test results
- ENT or audiology letters
- Scan reports
Questions to ask your doctor
- What might be causing it?
- Would a hearing aid or sound therapy help?
- Do I need any scans?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Tinnitus after a head injury, or with sudden hearing loss, weakness in the face or vertigo: get urgent help the same day
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.