What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the experience of hearing a sound that has no external source. People describe it in many ways, and it can come and go or be more constant. It is extremely common, affecting a large number of Australians at some point, and it is best understood as a symptom that something in the hearing system has changed, rather than a disease in itself. Understanding it is often the first step to feeling more in control of it.

What does tinnitus sound like?

Tinnitus varies from person to person. Common descriptions include:

• Ringing or whistling
• Buzzing or humming
• Hissing or a sound like static
• Roaring or pulsing

It may be heard in one ear, both ears, or seem to come from inside the head. For some it is a minor background sound; for others it is more noticeable, particularly in quiet settings such as at night when there is little else to mask it.

What can cause or contribute to tinnitus?

Tinnitus is frequently associated with hearing loss, and the two often occur together. Factors linked with tinnitus include:

• Exposure to loud noise, over time or from a single event
• Age-related hearing changes
• A build-up of earwax or a middle-ear issue
• Certain medications
• Stress, which can make existing tinnitus feel more intrusive

Because so many factors can play a part, the pattern differs between individuals, and identifying any contributing cause is a useful first step.

Does tinnitus mean something serious?

For most people, tinnitus is not a sign of a serious problem, and it often relates to everyday factors such as noise exposure or age-related hearing change. That said, a few features are worth having looked at sooner, including tinnitus in one ear only, a pulsing sound in time with your heartbeat, or tinnitus alongside dizziness or a noticeable drop in hearing. These do not necessarily mean anything is wrong, but they are worth a professional assessment so any underlying cause can be considered and you can feel reassured.

Can tinnitus be managed?

While there is no single treatment that suits everyone, tinnitus can often be managed so it becomes less intrusive. Approaches that may help include:

• Treating any underlying factor, such as removing excess earwax
• Hearing aids, which can help when tinnitus occurs alongside hearing loss, partly by bringing back everyday sounds
• Sound therapy, using gentle background sound to reduce the contrast that makes tinnitus stand out
• Strategies to reduce stress and improve sleep

Many people find that once tinnitus is assessed and understood, and a management plan is in place, it bothers them far less. Individual results vary, and the right combination depends on your circumstances. A large part of managing tinnitus is understanding what it is, since the sound often feels more intrusive when a person is anxious about what it means. Once that concern eases, and simple habits around sleep and quiet-time listening are in place, many people notice they pay attention to it less often through the day.

When should you seek advice?

It is worth having tinnitus checked, especially if it is new, in one ear only, pulsing in time with your heartbeat, or accompanied by hearing loss, dizziness or ear pain. At Hearing Help in Newport Marketplace on the Redcliffe Peninsula, our audiologists can assess your hearing, look for contributing factors, and talk through management options tailored to you. No referral is required to book. If tinnitus is affecting your concentration, sleep or wellbeing, arranging an assessment is a constructive step towards understanding it and finding ways to make it easier to live with.