Tinnitus is the term used to describe the sensation of hearing a sound in the absence of any external sound. You might hear different types of sound, for example ringing, buzzing, whooshing or humming. These sounds can be continuous or they can come and go. The tinnitus might seem like it’s in one ear, or both, in the middle of the head or be difficult to pinpoint.

Tinnitus is very common and is reported in all age groups. About 30% of people will experience tinnitus at some point in their lives, but the number of people who live with persistent tinnitus is approximately 14%, or one in seven. Tinnitus is more common in people who have hearing loss or other ear problems, but it can also be found in people with normal hearing.

When you first experience tinnitus, you may naturally be worried and very aware of the new sound. Whilst we do not know the exact causes of tinnitus, we know that it is not a disease or an illness. Tinnitus is rarely an indication of a serious disorder, and can be linked to a number of factors including hearing loss, noise exposure, stress and medication.

The experience of tinnitus is different for different people. Most people find that they are able to continue their normal day-to- day activities, and for most people tinnitus improves over time. However, a small percentage of people with tinnitus report it as severely affecting them.

Being referred for tinnitus assessment

If you feel you would like to be assessed regarding your tinnitus, please ask your GP to refer you.

Once you have been added to our waiting list for tinnitus assessment, you may be sent a questionnaire to fill in and return, to help us understand a bit more about how the tinnitus is affecting you. We use this information to plan your future appointments.

You will then be seen for a tinnitus assessment, which will include taking a full case history and performing various audiological tests. Based on this, we can then provide some tinnitus education and counselling, and work towards a management plan. This may involve correcting any hearing loss by issuing hearing aids, sound therapy options, relaxation based strategies, or onward referral if required.

Tinnitus self-help resources

There are a number of self-help options available for helping with tinnitus, please see below for more information:

Tinnitus UK publications and website

The tinnitus UK website provides evidence-based information regarding all aspects of tinnitus, including fact-sheets and education, self-help tools, webinars, as well as free support through their helpline and online support groups.

Tinnitus UK publication PDF links

• self-help
• tinnitus and sleep
• tinnitus and stress
• tinnitus and hearing aids
• tinnitus and sound therapy

Apps

There are a number of apps which can be helpful, including the free tinnitus relief app, as well as more dedicated relaxation and meditation apps:

Sound-based apps:

• Link to resound tinnitus relief app PDF
• My Noise app

Relaxation and Meditation based apps:

• Calm
• Headspace

 

Published: 22/01/2026 10:59