Shining a Light on Tinnitus
An expert’s insights into managing the Tinnitis
This week, we’re recognising Tinnitus Awareness Week, shining a spotlight on a condition that affects 1 in 7 adults across the UK.
But what exactly is tinnitus, what causes it, and most importantly — how can it be managed or even prevented?
Our Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) expert, Mr Karan Jolly, is here to break down everything you need to know to better understand tinnitus and protect your hearing health.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is often described as a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or humming sound— but what makes it particularly distressing is that the noise comes from inside the ears, rather than from an external source. For some, it’s a mild background noise, while for others, it can be persistent and disruptive.
Tinnitus isn’t a disease itself but a symptom of an underlying issue, such as hearing loss, ear injury, prolonged exposure to loud noise, or circulatory problems. With 1 in 7 adults in the UK affected, understanding tinnitus and its causes is the first step toward better management and prevention. Symptoms vary between individuals but commonly include a persistent or intermittent ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing, or whistling sound in the ears. Some experience pulsatile tinnitus, where the sound follows the rhythm of their heartbeat, while others develop heightened sensitivity to everyday sounds (hyperacusis), making normal noises feel uncomfortably loud.
For many, tinnitus can also lead to fatigue, stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, depression, irritability, and headaches, particularly when symptoms are severe or prolonged. Understanding these symptoms and their triggers is key to finding effective ways to manage and minimise tinnitus.
What are the primary causes or risk factors associated with tinnitus?
There are several reasons why people experience tinnitus symptoms, with some of the most common causes including:
- Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) – As inner ear cells degrade with age, the brain compensates by creating phantom sounds, such as ringing or buzzing.
- Excessive earwax buildup or infections – These can block the ear canal, leading to temporary or persistent tinnitus.
- Abnormal bone growth in the middle ear (otosclerosis) – A condition where the bones in the ear stiffen, affecting hearing.
- Exposure to loud noises – Working in noisy environments (e.g. construction, factories, music venues) or listening to headphones at high volumes for extended periods can damage inner ear cells.
- Certain medications (ototoxic drugs) – Some drugs, particularly in high doses, can be harmful to the ears. These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), certain antibiotics, diuretics and chemotherapy.
- Chronic health conditions – Hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid disorders have all been linked to tinnitus.
- Stress, anxiety, and depression – These can trigger or worsen tinnitus, as they affect brain activity and perception of sound.
- Genetics and family history – A family history of hearing loss or certain genetic conditions may increase the risk of developing tinnitus.
Understanding the underlying cause of tinnitus is essential for finding the right management strategies and improving overall hearing health.
Tinnitus Diagnosis: How It’s Identified
Tinnitus is primarily diagnosed through a clinical evaluation by a healthcare provider, usually an audiologist or ENT specialist. Since tinnitus is a symptom rather than a condition itself, the focus of diagnosis is to identify any underlying causes or contributing factors that may be triggering or worsening the symptoms. As such, assessment involves several steps and tests to identify potential underlying causes:
- Medical history review – Your healthcare provider will assess your symptoms, lifestyle, and any existing health conditions.
- Physical ear examination – A thorough check for earwax buildup, infections, or structural issues affecting the ear canal or eardrum.
- General physical exam – To identify underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, or past head and neck injuries that may contribute to tinnitus.
- Audiological tests – Used to measure hearing function and detect issues like fluid buildup in the middle ear or eardrum perforation.
- Imaging tests – In some cases, scans such as MRI or CT scans may be recommended to detect structural abnormalities affecting hearing.
These assessments help healthcare providers determine the cause of tinnitus and guide the most effective management plan.
How Does Tinnitus Impact Quality of Life?
Tinnitus can have a significant impact on daily life, with its effects varying based on severity and persistence. The constant perception of ringing, buzzing, or hissing—without any external source—can be distressing and disruptive, making even simple tasks more challenging.
Many people with tinnitus struggle with sleep, as the persistent noise makes it difficult to relax, leading to daytime fatigue, reduced energy, and difficulty concentrating. This, in turn, can affect productivity, mood, and overall well-being. During the day, tinnitus can interfere with focus and concentration, making activities like reading, working, or engaging in conversations more difficult.
The ongoing nature of tinnitus can also contribute to stress and anxiety, with some individuals worrying about whether it may worsen over time—often making the experience even harder to manage. Over time, these challenges can take a toll on both personal and professional life.
If you’re living with tinnitus, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. There are effective strategies and treatments available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
How to Prevent or Reduce the Risk of Tinnitus
While tinnitus isn’t always avoidable, taking proactive steps can help protect your ears and reduce the risk of developing it. Here are some key ways to safeguard your hearing:
- Wear ear protection – Use earplugs or noise-canceling earmuffs in loud environments, such as concerts, construction sites, or factories.
- Limit exposure to loud sounds – Avoid prolonged noise exposure, and when using headphones, keep the volume at a safe level.
- Follow the 60/60 rule – Keep personal audio devices at no more than 60% volume and limit listening time to 60 minutes at a time.
- Exercise regularly – Good circulation supports inner ear health and helps prevent conditions like high blood pressure, which can contribute to tinnitus.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol and caffeine – These can affect blood flow to the ears and may exacerbate tinnitus symptoms.
- Address ear and hearing issues promptly – Seek medical advice for ear infections, blockages, or other hearing concerns before they worsen.
- Get regular hearing check-ups – Routine screenings can help detect early signs of hearing loss or tinnitus, allowing for early intervention and management.
Taking these simple yet effective measures can go a long way in protecting your hearing health and minimising the risk of tinnitus.
1 in 7 people in the UK suffer from tinnitus
The Importance of Raising Awareness About Tinnitus
Raising awareness about tinnitus is crucial because early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent symptoms from worsening and allow individuals to manage their condition more effectively. The sooner people recognise the signs and seek help, the better their chances of finding relief.
Tinnitus is often misunderstood, leaving many sufferers feeling isolated or dismissed by those who don’t fully understand the condition. Increased awareness helps to normalise the experience, reduce stigma, and encourage more people to seek help without fear or embarrassment.
On a larger scale, greater awareness drives action. When more people understand tinnitus, healthcare systems and research organisations are more likely to invest in new treatments and innovative solutions, leading to better care and a stronger, more supportive community for those living with tinnitus.
If you’re struggling with tinnitus, our medical experts are here to help you take control. Reach out today for personalised advice and expert guidance on managing your symptoms.
Discover the importance of hearing health, early detection & treatment options from ENT expert and consultant Mr. Adnan Darr this World Hearing Day