Home Tinnitus What is Tinnitus? Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there is no external source. The word comes from the Latin word for "ringing". Tinnitus can sound different from person to person and may be heard in one ear, both ears or within the head. Ringing & buzzing Common descriptions include ringing, buzzing and humming sounds. Whistling & hissing Some people experience whistling, hissing or clicking noises. Music In rare cases, tinnitus can sound like music or other more complex sounds. Card Title Card Text Card Title Card Text Card Title Card Text Types of Tinnitus Subjective tinnitus The most common type of tinnitus. Only the person experiencing it can hear the sound. Objective tinnitus A rare type of tinnitus that may be linked to muscle movement or blood flow. What Causes Tinnitus? Tinnitus can have a number of possible causes. Some of the most common include: Hearing Hearing loss Ageing Ear health Ear infections Ear wax Environment Loud noise Head or neck injuries Other factors Certain medications Stress Is Tinnitus Serious? In many cases tinnitus is not a sign of a serious condition. However, it is still important to have it assessed, particularly if your tinnitus is: Sudden Your tinnitus has appeared suddenly or changed unexpectedly. In one ear The tinnitus is only present on one side. Pulsing The sound appears to pulse in time with your heartbeat. Other symptoms You are also experiencing dizziness or hearing loss. Can Tinnitus be Treated? There is no single treatment that works for everyone, but there are a number of ways tinnitus can be managed and its impact reduced. Hearing support Hearing aids Sound therapy Tinnitus support Tinnitus counselling CBT Managing symptoms Relaxation techniques Treating any underlying cause Card Title Card Text Card Title Card Text Card Title Card Text How Can We Help? Assessment Our experienced audiologists can assess your hearing and help identify any factors that may be contributing to your tinnitus. Management We can discuss the most suitable management options for you. If hearing loss is contributing to your tinnitus, hearing aids or sound therapy may significantly reduce its impact. Useful Tips for Managing Tinnitus Sound Avoid complete silence and use gentle background sound where helpful. Look after yourself Manage stress, get enough sleep and stay active. Protect your hearing Protect your ears from excessive loud noise and seek advice if your symptoms change. Let us Help You! If tinnitus is affecting your hearing or quality of life, speak to us about how we may be able to help. Call now on 0330 311 2990 A Patient's Experience with Tinnitus One of our own patients speaks about his experience of living with tinnitus and finding a way forward. Simon's Story “I woke up in the middle of the night at Centerparcs on 9 April 2009 with ringing in my right ear. Tinnitus is a poorly understood chronic condition which is most probably caused by damage to the inner ear with a consequential effect on the electrical circuitry in the auditory cortex. The brain’s many responses to the high-pitched ringing which its victims must endure would test the resilience of the strongest person. In the worst cases you will get constant monitoring, insomnia, anxiety and depression.” “You should read William Shatner’s account of his battle with it on the Internet.” “In my search for an answer to this chronic problem I have seen many ENT surgeons, audiologists and other doctors, including experts on Harley Street. Eventually, and basing my approach on Professor Pawel Jastreboff’s book ‘Tinnitus Retraining Therapy’, I worked out that you can break the response to the ringing by retraining your brain not to respond to the noise. It’s a long job and involves getting hearing aids fitted which play white noise at the pitch of the hearing loss during the day and which, in my case, masks it completely at night. Of all the hearing experts I have seen, without doubt, Robert has been the most helpful and effective. He has first class Phonak equipment and software and has the most up to date understanding of this problem of all the professionals I have dealt with in my 7-year struggle. He is also, importantly, a thoroughly decent and compassionate man. If you are struggling with this problem, get in touch with Robert. If it’s really bad and you need someone to talk to, Robert will give you my number. Don’t give up. There is a way forward. Best of luck.” Simon Partner in a global law firm Another Patient's Experience For some people, addressing hearing loss can also have a significant effect on how noticeable their tinnitus feels. Sylvia's story “Approximately 25 years ago I began with bad attacks of Meniere’s syndrome (dizziness, loss of balance and sickness). Over the years the Meniere’s has improved but left me with 85% deafness in my right ear and awful tinnitus. I have tried an NHS hearing aid but to no avail. Recently through recommendation, my husband contacted Rob Donnan and was fitted with his hearing aids which have transformed his life! On one of Rob’s visits to our home, I explained my situation and he offered to fit me with a ‘crossover’ system with no obligation. At first, I was apprehensive and sceptical as nothing had worked previously but decided to give the 2-week trial a go. I am over the moon with the results and cannot believe the difference it has made to my life. Not only can I hear so much better, but it has also stabilised my tinnitus in my right ear.” Sylvia Bewerley, North Yorkshire Need Advice About Tinnitus? Our experienced audiologists can assess your hearing and discuss the options available to help manage tinnitus and hearing loss. Call 0330 311 2990