Tinnitus is the name for hearing noises that are not caused by an outside source. Most often, tinnitus is linked to hearing loss or other ear conditions. It’s rarely a sign of anything more serious.
What does tinnitus sound like?
Everyone’s tinnitus is different, but it’s usually described as a ringing, hissing, buzzing, roaring or humming sound. There may be one or more sounds and the noise may be there all the time or come and go.
For a small number of people, tinnitus is a rhythmical noise that may beat in time with the heart. This is called pulsatile tinnitus. Occasionally, tinnitus can sound like fragments of tunes or songs. This is called musical hallucinations.
If you do have pulsatile or musical hallucinations, it’s important to see your GP.
Causes
Tinnitus can be linked to different things, including hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, certain medications, ear or head injuries, some ear conditions, and emotional stress. Sometimes, there’s no recognisable link at all.
Many people with tinnitus also have hearing loss. It’s thought that hearing loss can cause tinnitus symptoms, especially if it isn’t managed with hearing aids.
What to do if you have tinnitus?
Some people find that they can manage tinnitus themselves, while others may prefer a combination of professional support and self-help. Different approaches work for different people so it’s important to remember it might take some time to find what works best for you.
The good news is, RNID is here to help. Our free Tinnitus Guide contains information on ways to manage tinnitus, from professional support to self-help options. It also includes information on useful apps and technology, how to support a loved one with tinnitus, and what to do if tinnitus is affecting your sleep.
Funding research to silence tinnitus
RNID is committed to funding research to silence tinnitus, and our guide contains the latest information on our work to identify the causes of tinnitus and develop strategies to treat it.
You can find all this and more by downloading our free tinnitus guide.
