What you need to know about Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a common condition that affects around 1 in 7 adults in the UK. For some, it’s a temporary annoyance, while for others it can have a more lasting impact on daily life. At The Sense of Hearing, we understand how distressing tinnitus can feel, and we’re here to help you find the right support.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head that isn’t caused by an external source. People often describe it as ringing, buzzing, hissing, humming or roaring.
For some, it may be a single constant sound, while for others it can come and go, change in pitch, or even sound like a rhythm in time with the heartbeat (known as pulsatile tinnitus).
What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus can be linked to:
Hearing loss – the most common factor
Exposure to loud noise
Earwax build-up
Certain medications
Ear or head injuries
Underlying ear conditions
Stress or anxiety
Sometimes, there’s no clear cause, which is why a professional assessment is so important.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom of tinnitus is hearing sounds such as ringing, buzzing or humming that no one else can hear. These may be:
Continuous or occasional
Louder in quiet settings, such as at night
In one ear or both
While tinnitus itself isn’t usually a sign of a serious condition, it can affect sleep, concentration and overall wellbeing.
How is tinnitus diagnosed?
If you think you may have tinnitus, the first step is to book a hearing test. At The Sense of Hearing, we will:
Discuss your symptoms and how tinnitus affects you.
Check for physical causes such as earwax build-up or infection.
Carry out a comprehensive hearing test to assess whether hearing loss is contributing.
Advise on next steps – whether that’s treatment or management techniques.
Treatment and management options
There isn’t a single ‘cure’ for tinnitus, but there are many ways to reduce its impact. These include:
Hearing aids – By amplifying everyday sounds, hearing aids can reduce the contrast between external sound and tinnitus, making it less noticeable.
Sound therapy – Using background noise (such as white noise machines, soft music, or apps) to mask tinnitus sounds.
Relaxation techniques – Stress can make tinnitus worse. Breathing exercises, mindfulness and relaxation strategies can help.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – A type of therapy that helps people change the way they react to tinnitus.
Lifestyle changes – Reducing exposure to loud noise, cutting down on caffeine, and improving sleep routines can all make a difference.
How The Sense of Hearing can help
At The Sense of Hearing, we know how overwhelming tinnitus can feel. Our expert team can:
Provide comprehensive hearing assessments
Check for underlying issues such as wax build-up
Offer hearing solutions, including hearing aids designed to support tinnitus management
Give tailored advice on practical steps to reduce the impact of tinnitus
You don’t need to struggle alone. With the right support, tinnitus can become much easier to manage.
