Tinnitus

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is when you hear a sound in your head or ears, when there is nothing making the sound. You might hear ringing, buzzing, whooshing or humming. The sound might go on and on or it might come and go. It might be in one ear, or in the middle of your head. Some people hunt for what is making the sound before they realise the sound is inside of them.

Who gets tinnitus?

Many people get tinnitus, even young children. One in three people get tinnitus at some point in their lives. One in ten people have tinnitus that doesn’t go away some people find it upsetting and annoying and others don’t mind.

What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus is not a disease or illness, it is a brain activity that has got out of normal balance. A change in the ear, such as an ear infection, a cold or wax blocking the ear might start the tinnitus. Loud noise such as concerts, machinery or power tools can be a cause or it can be started by a stressful life event.

What should I do?

You can talk to your GP who might send you to an ear nose and throat specialist or to a hearing therapist or you may be offered some talking therapy. Most people will find that their tinnitus gets much better over time.

Click the link below to find some useful advice from the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) or call their Helpline on 0800 018 0527.