Tinnitus is when you hear a sound, such as ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing or whooshing, that does not come from outside your body. It can be in one or both ears, or in your head. Around 1 in 7 adults in the UK have it.
Common causes
- hearing loss, including age-related hearing loss
- exposure to loud noise
- an ear infection or a build-up of earwax
- Ménière's disease
- some medicines
- stress and anxiety, which can make tinnitus more noticeable
Sometimes no cause is found.
When to see a GP
See a GP if tinnitus does not go away, is getting worse, or is affecting your sleep, concentration or mood. Your GP may look in your ears and refer you for a hearing test.
Read about tinnitus treatment.
Common questions
Will tinnitus go away?
It often improves over time, especially if it has a clear cause such as an ear infection or earwax. For many people it becomes much less noticeable as the brain learns to tune it out.
Can loud music cause tinnitus?
Yes. Loud noise, from music, concerts or work, is a common cause. Protecting your hearing helps prevent it getting worse.
Sources we used
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