Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head not caused by an external sound source. Ringing and buzzing sounds may be heard in one or both ears or appear to be generally in the head region, but this can vary, and it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly where the sounds seem to occur.
Tinnitus is not an illness or a disease in itself, but it is often a symptom of a problem with the ear or the hearing pathways to the brain. Usually, it occurs when the inner ear is damaged or impaired in some way.
Tinnitus is most commonly caused by damage to the hearing system. While it frequently occurs alongside hearing loss, it can also affect individuals with completely normal hearing.
The primary causes, triggers, and underlying conditions include:
Loud noises, such as those from heavy equipment, headphones, concerts or even one-time events like a close-range gunshot, can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). This hearing loss changes how the brain processes sound, and tinnitus may be how the brain fills in the gaps to the missing sound frequencies.
Similar to NIHL, age-related hearing loss can result in tinnitus – in fact, a 2024 study found the condition to affect 13.5% of New Zealanders over the age of 65.
Tinnitus can also derive from an injury, in which case, it typically affects only one ear. Neck and head injuries, specifically, can trigger ear ringing – often as a result of whiplash.
Meniere’s disease and otosclerosis are two ear disorders commonly associated with tinnitus. The first affects the inner ear, which plays a key role in balance and hearing, while the latter refers to an abnormal bone growing in the middle ear, preventing sound from travelling properly through the ear.
Although anyone can develop tinnitus, there are risk factors associated with the condition:
Tinnitus is often described as a "ringing in the ears” or a “high-pitched tone or noise” when no external noise is present. Symptoms of tinnitus can include:
Tinnitus symptoms are not uniform and can fluctuate based on several factors:
As for severe or long-standing tinnitus, the symptoms tend to align with one of two disorders:
If you are suffering from hyperacusis, you may find that you become more sensitive to everyday sounds. For instance, you might find the noise from a television or radio to be painfully loud despite it being set at a 'normal' volume. Hyperacusis is often the result of prolonged exposure to loud sounds, most prevalent among musicians and those who work regularly with industrial machinery.
This is more common if you struggle with long-term tinnitus or extensive hearing loss. Musical hallucinations can sound like snippets of songs instead of the more common ringing sound. This form of the condition may be caused or exacerbated by stress, epilepsy or substance misuse.
Tinnitus is not a disease itself or a cause of hearing loss. It is a symptom that can indicate that something may be wrong somewhere in the auditory system, which can include the cochlea, the auditory nerve and the areas of the brain that process sound.
In about 90% of cases, it accompanies hearing loss, and an individual can have both hearing loss and tinnitus from noise damage. However, the two do not always occur together. It is possible to have no measurable hearing loss but experience tinnitus.
There isn’t one set answer to this question, as it varies from case to case. Some people may experience ear ringing for a few hours, while others may struggle with the condition for months, and others may even have it permanently.
How long tinnitus lasts usually depends on its cause. Short-term tinnitus often happens after you’ve been exposed to a very loud noise, which temporarily damages the hairs lining the ear canal. Tinnitus that lasts for a few days may be the result of build-up in the ear canal and it may require medical attention. Lastly, long-term tinnitus is typically an aftermath of old age, constant exposure to loud noises or ear bone damage.
Whether tinnitus can be cured depends on its cause. In some cases, tinnitus may disappear once the underlying cause is treated. Examples include earwax blockage, ear infections, certain medications or temporary noise exposure.
However, chronic tinnitus caused by permanent hearing damage often cannot be completely cured. Instead, treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Many people find relief through:
An audiologist can help determine the cause of tinnitus and recommend the most appropriate treatment options. Book an appointment at your local Bay Audiology clinic to speak with a professional.
There is no single treatment that works for everyone with tinnitus. The most effective approach depends on the underlying cause and whether hearing loss is present.
Hearing aids can help manage tinnitus by addressing underlying hearing loss. By reducing the amount of attention the brain pays to the ringing, these devices can minimise or, for some people, even eliminate awareness of tinnitus.
If you're experiencing hearing challenges as well as ringing, a hearing solution with built-in sound generators may be prescribed to help minimise the effects of tinnitus.
Sound therapy has been shown to help relieve tinnitus symptoms, particularly when used alongside hearing aids.
This therapy uses external sounds, such as music or static-like noise, to partially obscure the tinnitus signal. Over time, the brain can become better at automatically tuning out the tinnitus sound.
If tinnitus is linked to an ear infection, earwax blockage or another underlying condition, treating the cause may reduce or eliminate symptoms.
Depending on the condition, treatment may include antibiotics, ear drops or professional earwax removal.
Relaxation and stress-management techniques are often recommended if emotional stress is contributing to your tinnitus.
Because stress can worsen tinnitus symptoms, managing anxiety and improving overall wellbeing may help reduce the impact of the condition.
Simple changes such as using volume-limiting headphones, protecting your hearing from loud noise and playing calming sounds while trying to sleep can make a significant difference.
If your tinnitus is particularly loud or causing sleeping difficulties, stress or anxiety, it is worth consulting your GP or audiologist for advice.
Although tinnitus is not always preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
Make lifestyle changes: exercise regularly, minimise your consumption of alcohol and caffeine, maintain good posture and prioritise sleep.
You should see an audiologist if tinnitus is persistent, worsening, affecting your sleep or concentration, occurring alongside hearing loss or developing suddenly without an obvious cause.
If you believe you may have tinnitus or are concerned about your hearing, the expert audiologists at Bay Audiology can help. Book an appointment today and find a treatment that’s right for you.
No matter what causes it, how long you experience it or what you actually hear, tinnitus can be an incredibly distressing condition to live with. But the good news is that there are ways to find relief and regain your quality of life.
If you believe you may have tinnitus or are concerned about your hearing, the expert audiologists at Bay Audiology can help. Book an appointment today and find a treatment that’s right for you.
