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Tinnitus is the name for hearing noises that do not come from an outside source. It's not usually a sign of anything serious and may get better by itself.
Tinnitus can sound like:
You may hear these sounds in 1 or both ears, or in your head. They may come and go, or you might hear them all the time.
It's not always clear what causes tinnitus, but it's often linked to:
The GP will look in your ears to see if your tinnitus is caused by something they can treat, like an ear infection or a build-up of earwax.
They might also check for any hearing loss.
You may be referred to a specialist for further tests and treatment.
If you have tinnitus there are things you can do to help cope.
try to relax – deep breathing or yoga may help
try to find ways to improve your sleep, such as sticking to a bedtime routine or cutting down on caffeine
try to avoid things that can make tinnitus worse, such as stress or loud background noises
join a support group – talking to other people with tinnitus may help you cope
do not have total silence – listening to soft music or sounds (called sound therapy) may distract you from the tinnitus
do not focus on it, as this can make it worse – hobbies and activities may take your mind off it
The Tinnitus UK website has more information about self-help for tinnitus. Their free helpline number is 0800 018 0527.
You can also find a tinnitus support group near you on the Tinnitus UK website.
If the cause of your tinnitus is unknown or cannot be treated, your GP or specialist may refer you for a type of talking therapy.
This could be:
You'll usually be offered digital CBT first, which is a type of CBT that's delivered through an online programme or app on your computer, tablet or smartphone.
Tinnitus retraining therapy may be available on the NHS for people with severe or persistent tinnitus. It's unclear if tinnitus retraining therapy works for everyone. It's widely available privately.
If you have hearing loss, hearing aids may be recommended.
