What You Need to Know About Tinnitus
Tinnitus affects millions of people in the UK. Here's what it is, what causes it, and what can actually help.
By Alex Delooze · Delooze Hearing
Tinnitus is one of those conditions that’s surprisingly common but rarely talked about openly. If you’re hearing a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whooshing sound that no one else can hear, you’re not imagining it — and you’re far from alone.
Around 1 in 8 people in the UK experiences tinnitus to some degree. For most it’s mild and manageable; for some it significantly affects sleep, concentration, and quality of life.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of any external source. It can be experienced in one ear, both ears, or as a sound that seems to come from inside the head. People describe it in different ways: ringing, buzzing, whooshing, hissing, whistling, clicking. For some it’s constant; for others it comes and goes.
It’s not a disease in itself — it’s a symptom. Something else is usually driving it.
Common Causes
The most frequent cause of tinnitus is some form of hearing loss, whether age-related or due to noise exposure. When the auditory system receives less sound input, the brain can sometimes turn up its own internal “volume” to compensate — and the result is tinnitus.
Other common causes include:
- Earwax build-up — impacted wax pressing against the eardrum can cause or worsen tinnitus, and this is one of the most straightforward causes to address
- Ear infections or Eustachian tube problems
- Certain medications, including some antibiotics and anti-inflammatories at high doses
- Loud noise exposure, whether from a one-off event or prolonged exposure over time
- Stress and fatigue, which often make existing tinnitus more noticeable
- Cardiovascular issues, including high blood pressure
When to Seek Urgent Help
In most cases tinnitus develops gradually and isn’t a sign of anything serious. However, there are situations where you should seek prompt medical assessment:
- Tinnitus that started suddenly
- Tinnitus in one ear only, particularly if accompanied by hearing loss or dizziness
- Tinnitus after a head injury
- Pulsatile tinnitus — a rhythmic sound that seems to beat in time with your pulse
If any of these apply, see your GP or call NHS 111.
What Can Help
There’s currently no cure for tinnitus, but that doesn’t mean nothing can be done. Management approaches include:
Treating the underlying cause. If wax, an infection, or a medication is responsible, addressing that can reduce or resolve the tinnitus. This is why a proper assessment — including an ear examination and hearing check — matters.
Sound therapy. Tinnitus tends to be more noticeable in quiet environments. Background sound (music, radio, a fan) can make it less intrusive, particularly at night.
Hearing aids. For people with hearing loss, amplifying external sound often reduces the perceived loudness of tinnitus as a side effect.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT adapted for tinnitus helps change the way you respond to the sound, reducing distress. This is one of the most evidence-based approaches for those significantly affected.
Lifestyle factors. Reducing caffeine and alcohol, managing stress, and protecting ears from further noise damage can all help.
Getting Assessed
If you’re experiencing tinnitus, it’s worth having your ears and hearing checked. The assessment won’t always lead to a straightforward fix, but understanding what’s behind it — and ruling out anything that needs attention — is a sensible first step.
At Delooze Hearing, tinnitus assessments cover ear examination, hearing review, and a thorough discussion of your symptoms and options. If onward referral to an NHS or specialist service is the right step, I’ll make that clear.
Ready to book?
No GP referral needed. Book directly with us — Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm.