← Return to list of treatments
Tinnitus (noise or ringing in the ears)
An annoying sensation of a ringing, buzzing, roaring, clicking, hissing, or humming noise in your ears is known as tinnitus. It is often only temporary and minor, but in some cases it can become a longer term problem and a significant cause of distraction and discomfort. It is almost always a symptom of another underlying condition, many of which are relatively minor, although in rare cases it can be the sign of something more serious.
Treatments are always aimed at the underlying issue. As such, they can vary significantly by the cause of the tinnitus - many causes are treatable, others are not. Therefore, a careful diagnosis by a specialist is important to proper treatment.
What causes tinnitus?
Exposure to loud noises, in both the short or long term.
Hearing loss, particularly steady loss due to old age.
Wax, debris, fluid, and foreign objects in the ear canal or behind the eardrum.
Stiffening or unusual growth of the bones in the ear.
Anxiety, stress, and some mental health issues.
Muscle spasms in the ear.
Blood vessel disorders.
Head or neck injuries.
Meniere’s disease.
Growths and tumours within the ear.
Problems with your jaw.
In rare cases some medications can cause tinnitus as a side effect.
If you experience minor tinnitus after being exposed to loud noises such as a concert or heavy machinery, do not be alarmed, it will usually go away on its own. However, if you experience loud, sudden, or ongoing tinnitus or it is paired with any other symptoms, such as vertigo, you should seek the opinion of an ear, nose, and throat specialist as soon as possible. For urgent needs please go to A&E, but for ongoing issues you can book an appointment with our consultant.