An expert’s insights into managing the condition
This week we mark Tinnitus Awareness Week, a condition that affects 1 in 7 adults in the UK.
What exactly is tinnitus, what causes it, and how can it be managed or even prevented? Our Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) expert, Mr Karan Jolly, is here to explain everything you need to know to protect your ears.
What is tinnitus and how common is it?
Tinnitus is often described as a ringing, buzzing, hissing or humming sound. What makes it particularly alarming to sufferers is that the sound comes from inside the ears, rather than from an external source.
Tinnitus isn’t a disease itself, it’s a symptom of an underlying issue, such as hearing loss, injury to the ear, exposure to loud noises or circulatory issues.
What are the most common symptoms of tinnitus?
Tinnitus is often described as a ringing, buzzing, hissing or humming sound. What makes it particularly alarming to sufferers is that the sound comes from inside the ears, rather than from an external source.
Tinnitus isn’t a disease itself, it’s a symptom of an underlying issue, such as hearing loss, injury to the ear, exposure to loud noises or circulatory issues.
What are the primary causes or risk factors associated with tinnitus?
There are a number of reasons why people experience symptoms of tinnitus. Some of the most common are:
- Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis). As inner ear cells are damaged with age, the brain compensates by creating phantom sounds, such as ringing or buzzing.
- Excessive build-up of ear wax or infections.
- Abnormal bone growth in the middle ear (otosclerosis).
- Exposure to loud noises, such as working in a noisy environment (e.g. construction, factories, or music venues), or using headphones at high volumes for extended periods.
- The use of certain medications, especially in high doses, which are toxic to the ear. Examples include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, diuretics and chemotherapy agents.
- Chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and thyroid disorders.
- Stress, anxiety and depression can exacerbate or trigger tinnitus, as they affect brain activity and perception of sound.
- A family history of hearing loss or certain genetic conditions can increase the risk of developing tinnitus.
How is tinnitus investigated and are there specific tests involved?
Tinnitus is primarily diagnosed through a clinical evaluation by a healthcare provider. This is typically an audiologist or an ENT specialist.
Since tinnitus is a symptom rather than a condition itself, the goal is to identify any underlying causes or contributing factors.
The following steps and tests are usually involved:
- Your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough medical history review.
- A physical ear exam will be done to check for obvious issues such as earwax, signs of infection or structural problems affecting the ear canal or eardrum.
- A general physical exam may be done to check for underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, or head or neck injuries.
- Audiological tests can measure hearing and detect issues such as fluid in the middle ear or eardrum perforation.
- Imaging tests can help to identify underlying structural issues.
How does tinnitus typically affect a person’s quality of life?
Tinnitus can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, depending on how severe and persistent it is. The constant perception of ringing, buzzing or hissing without any external source can be both distressing and disruptive.
Many people with tinnitus struggle with sleep, as the unrelenting sounds make it hard to relax. Naturally, this often leads to daytime fatigue, which can drain your energy, reduce focus and negatively impact productivity and wellbeing.
During the day, the persistent noise can interfere with concentration, making it challenging to focus on tasks like reading, working or even holding a conversation. Over time, the ongoing sounds can create significant stress and anxiety. It’s not uncommon to worry about whether the tinnitus might worsen, which can sometimes make the experience even harder to manage.
Altogether, these challenges can take a toll on a person’s personal and professional lives. If you’re living with tinnitus, it’s important to know you’re not alone, and there are strategies and treatments available to help.
What steps can people take to prevent or minimise their risk of tinnitus?
We always encourage people to take the following steps to protect their ears and minimise the risk of developing tinnitus:
- Wear ear protection in noisy environments.
- Limit exposure to loud sounds (including through headphones).
- Keep personal audio devices at no more than 60% of their maximum volume and limit their use to 60 minutes at a time.
- Exercise regularly to improve circulation and reduce the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol and caffeine.
- Address ear and hearing issues promptly.
- Have regular hearing check-ups.
Why is having an awareness week about tinnitus so important?
Raising awareness about tinnitus is critical because it can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment. This prevents the condition from worsening and allows individuals to manage their symptoms more effectively.
Tinnitus is often misunderstood, leaving sufferers feeling isolated or dismissed by those who don’t truly grasp what it’s like. Awareness helps normalise the experience, reduce stigma, and encourage people to seek help without embarrassment.
On a larger scale, when more people are informed about tinnitus, healthcare systems and organisations are more likely to allocate resources toward research and new treatment options. This means better care, innovative solutions and a stronger community for those living with tinnitus.
If you’re struggling with tinnitus, our medical experts are here to help you take control. Reach out today for personalised guidance and expert advice on managing your symptoms.
