What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus can be heard as a buzzing, whistling, throbbing, hissing, roaring, cicada-like noise or ringing in your ears. It can be present all the time or only occasionally, and can vary in intensity.

Tinnitus is overwhelmingly connected to some level of hearing loss.  Enhancing the reception and perception of external noise can often provide relief from the internal sound of tinnitus. You will get the best information and help from an ear nose and throat (ENT) doctor or an audiologist. Depending on the type and severity of your impairment, the doctor at the ENT practice will give you an individual treatment plan, and will start you on appropriate therapeutic measures.

The cause is not always known as it varies between individuals, but it can be triggered by:

• Due to an acoustic trauma (excessive noise)
• Through sudden hearing loss or age-related hearing loss
• Ear infections
• Because of a build-up of earwax 

For some people changes in lifestyle can make tinnitus easier to manage:

• Protect your ears from loud noise
• Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake
• Keep your blood pressure well controlled
• Take steps to quit smoking
• Manage stress and adopt relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing

For more persistent cases the following links may be helpful:
Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
Hearing aids and noisers
Medication

• Avoid the causes and protect your ears
• Avoid excessive stress
• Don't hesitate