Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Manage It

There are many possible causes of tinnitus, and in some cases, more than one factor may contribute. The most common cause is hearing loss, particularly age-related or noise-induced. However, other health-related or lifestyle factors can also play a role. Sometimes the exact cause isn’t clear, but treatment can still help reduce the impact of symptoms.

Common causes include:

• Age-related hearing loss
• Prolonged or repeated exposure to loud noise
• Earwax buildup blocking the ear canal
• Middle or inner ear infections
• Certain medications that affect hearing
• Injuries or circulatory issues

While not all tinnitus is preventable, there are practical steps you can take to protect your ears and reduce your risk. Being proactive about your hearing health can make a real difference in reducing long-term risk.

Prevention tips include:

• Wear hearing protection around loud noises
• Keep headphone and earbud volumes at safe levels
• Intermittent or constant noise with no external source
• Avoid inserting objects into your ears
• Take breaks from noisy environments to rest your ears
• Stay up to date with hearing checks, especially if you're exposed to noise regularly

Tinnitus symptoms can vary in intensity and character. Some people hear a soft background ringing, while others report a loud, persistent noise that interferes with daily activities. If these symptoms are familiar, a comprehensive hearing assessment can help determine whether tinnitus is linked to hearing loss or another underlying issue.

Typical symptoms include:

• Ringing, buzzing, humming, or hissing sounds
• Sensation of sound in one or both ears
• Intermittent or constant noise with no external source
• Sound seems louder at night or in quiet spaces
• Difficulty concentrating or falling asleep
• Increased sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis)

There’s currently no universal cure for tinnitus, but many people find relief through personalised treatment plans. The goal is to reduce how much you notice the sound and improve your quality of life. Our team can help you explore the most suitable options based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and hearing profile.

• Hearing aids – especially helpful if hearing loss is present
• Keep headphone and earbud volumes at safe levels
• Sound therapy – using gentle background sounds or white noise to mask tinnitus
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – supports mental well-being and reduces stress linked to tinnitus
• Relaxation techniques – such as breathing exercises, meditation, or mindfulness
• Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) – combines counselling with sound therapy to help the brain reclassify the sound