Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears) — Honest Advice

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the name for hearing a sound — often ringing, buzzing, hissing or humming — that isn’t coming from outside. Around one in eight people experience it, and for most it’s mild and comes and goes. It isn’t a disease; it’s a symptom, and on its own it very rarely signals anything dangerous.

When we may be able to help

Earwax. A blocked ear canal can cause or worsen ringing. If your ear also feels full or muffled, gentle microsuction wax removal may settle it.
Hearing loss. Tinnitus often sits alongside a hearing loss. Where that’s the case, well-fitted hearing aids can make it far less noticeable by bringing back the everyday sounds that mask it.

If you have a blocked or muffled ear as well as the ringing, that’s worth getting checked — it’s often something simple.

If ringing is your only symptom, start with your GP

For tinnitus on its own — no blocked ear, no obvious hearing change — your GP is the right first port of call. The NHS has excellent, free tinnitus support and can refer you on if needed. We don’t want you paying to sit in our chair for something the NHS is better placed to help with.

Please see your GP promptly if…

your tinnitus is only in one ear, or came on suddenly
it comes with dizziness, hearing loss, pain or discharge
it beats in time with your pulse, or is making you very distressed

Things that genuinely help

Sound, not silence. Quiet rooms make tinnitus louder; gentle background sound helps it fade.
Protect your ears from loud noise.
Sleep & stress. Tiredness and stress turn the volume up.
Cut back triggers like caffeine or alcohol if they make it more noticeable.