Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)

Tinnitus

(Ringing in the Ears)

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in one or both ears when no external sound is present. Many people describe it as a ringing or buzzing sound, but sometimes even clicking, roaring or hissing. The sound may be continuous or come and go, and it may vary in pitch and loudness. For most people it is mild and only noticeable in quiet environments, but for some it can interfere with sleep, concentration or quality of life.

Symptoms & Causes

Tinnitus symptoms may be experienced as:

Ringing or buzzing in one or both ears
Clicking, hissing or roaring sounds
Perception of noise that no one else hears
Sounds that are more noticeable in a quiet room or at night
Occasional pulsatile sounds in time with the heartbeat in a small number of cases

The intensity and type of sound can differ between individuals, and it may remain stable, improve or worsen over time.

Possible Causes

Tinnitus is not a disease in itself but a symptom of an underlying condition.

Causes may include:

Age-related hearing changes
Exposure to loud noises
Impacted earwax blocking the ear canal
Nasal allergies or sinus infections
Injury to the eardrum or middle ear
Blood vessel disorders
Certain medications that affect the ear
Less commonly, tumours involving the auditory nerve or structures near the ear

Tinnitus may also be worsened by factors such as stress, fatigue, lack of sleep, anxiety or depression.

Diagnosis

See an ENT specialist if tinnitus is persistent, increasing in intensity, or affecting your daily life, especially if it is accompanied by hearing loss or dizziness.

A typical assessment may include:

A detailed history of the symptoms and triggers
Physical examination of the ears
A hearing test to check for hearing loss or other ear conditions
Imaging such as an MRI or CT scan when required to investigate cochlear nerve or inner ear structures

Treatment and Management Options

The approach to treatment depends on the underlying cause and how much the sound affects you:

Treatable Causes

Certain causes can be treated directly:

Removal of impacted earwax
Treatment of ear infections
Treatment of nasal allergies or blocked sinus passages
Adjusting medications that may be contributing to the tinnitus

Coping Strategies

If tinnitus remains after these treatments, strategies to manage the symptoms may include:

Adding some background noise such as a fan or soft music to mask the tinnitus sound
Staying occupied with activities that draw attention away from the noise
Avoiding alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes which may make tinnitus more noticeable
Managing stress and improving sleep patterns

Specialised Support

For persistent or bothersome tinnitus, additional options may include:

Hearing aids to improve hearing and reduce awareness of tinnitus
Tinnitus maskers that provide sound therapy to make tinnitus less noticeable
Tinnitus retraining therapy aimed at helping the brain become less aware of the tinnitus sound
Devices such as Neuromonics that combine sound therapy with counselling techniques

When to See a Specialist

You should seek specialist evaluation if:

Early assessment helps to identify possible underlying causes and guide appropriate management.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is tinnitus the same for everyone?

No. Tinnitus varies widely in how it sounds and how much it affects daily life. Some people notice it only in quiet moments, while others find it intrusive.

2. Can tinnitus be cured?

Some causes are reversible, such as earwax or treatable ear conditions. For many forms of tinnitus there is no cure, but management strategies can reduce how noticeable it feels.

3. Does tinnitus always mean hearing loss?

Not always. Tinnitus can occur with normal hearing, but it is often linked to changes in the hearing system.

4. Will treating stress help?

Many patients find that reducing stress, improving sleep and staying engaged in activities can make tinnitus less bothersome.

5. Should I protect my ears?

Yes. Protecting your ears from loud noise and avoiding prolonged exposure to high sound levels can help prevent tinnitus or prevent it from worsening.

Next Steps

If you experience persistent tinnitus or if the sound interferes with sleep, work or quality of life, book a consultation with our ENT specialists. We will assess your symptoms, investigate possible causes and guide you through the best management options tailored to your needs.