Reviewed by Dr Manuj Agarwal · Last updated 1 September 2026
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is an internal auditory sense with no external counterpart. It can be intermittent or constant and affects people of all ages. It is generally considered incurable, but professional help can reduce how much it bothers you.
What are the symptoms of tinnitus?
Tinnitus can cause poor concentration, disrupted sleep, frustration, anger and reduced patience. In severe cases it may affect mental health.
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears without an outside sound
- Hissing
- Humming
- Clicking
- Roaring
What causes tinnitus?
- Prolonged exposure to loud noise (noise-induced hearing loss often comes with it)
- Hearing loss, including age-related hearing loss
- Head injuries, and jaw or neck problems
- Diabetes and circulation problems, heart conditions or tumours
- Some medications, such as certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antidepressants and aspirin
- Allergies
- Impacted earwax
How is tinnitus assessed?
We complete a hearing test and ask you to fill in questionnaires about how tinnitus affects you. These show your problem areas and how severe it is. Correlating your hearing results with the tinnitus assessment tells us which management strategies are most likely to help.
What tinnitus treatment options are there?
Sound therapy and masking
External sound such as a ticking clock, white noise or radio static can cover tinnitus, particularly in quiet settings. Bedside maskers provide a low, constant sound that helps with sleep and habituation.
Hearing aids
If you also have hearing loss, amplifying the sounds you want to hear can make tinnitus less noticeable. See our hearing aid assessment.
Tinnitus retraining therapy
Delivered by a professional, this combines low-level broad-band noise with counselling to help your brain habituate to tinnitus.
Counselling and relaxation
Counselling, including cognitive behavioural approaches, builds coping strategies. Relaxation techniques help because stress can make tinnitus seem louder.
Medication
Some medications may reduce the effects of tinnitus. This needs a discussion with your GP or a specialist.
Frequently asked questions
Can tinnitus be cured?
Tinnitus is generally considered incurable, but it can be considerably mitigated and controlled with professional assistance. Management options include sound therapy, hearing aids, counselling and tinnitus retraining therapy, chosen according to your assessment.
What causes ringing in the ears?
Common causes include prolonged loud noise, hearing loss, head injury, jaw or neck problems, circulation issues, some medications, allergies and impacted earwax. Sometimes no single cause is found. An assessment helps identify contributing factors.
Do hearing aids help tinnitus?
They can. When tinnitus comes with hearing loss, amplifying external sound reduces how much the tinnitus stands out. Your audiologist can advise whether hearing aids are likely to help you.
What is tinnitus retraining therapy?
Tinnitus retraining therapy combines low-level broad-band noise with professional counselling. The aim is habituation, where your brain gradually learns to treat tinnitus as background noise that no longer demands attention.
Should I see a doctor about tinnitus?
Yes, if tinnitus began suddenly, is in one ear only, pulses with your heartbeat or comes with dizziness or sudden hearing loss. Your audiologist can assess your hearing and coordinate with your GP. Call 03 7042 9301 to book.
Related information
Hearing test
A full diagnostic hearing assessment with results and a clear plan in the same visit.
Learn more →Hearing aid assessment
Independent advice on hearing aids matched to your hearing loss, lifestyle and budget.
Learn more →Noise-induced hearing loss
Hearing damage from loud noise, its warning signs, treatment and prevention with ear plugs.
Learn more →Sudden hearing loss
An abrupt drop in hearing in one or both ears needs prompt medical attention.
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