Ringing in Ears (Tinnitus): Causes and What to Do

Experiencing ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears? Learn about tinnitus — what causes it, when to worry, and how to find relief.

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there is no external source — commonly described as ringing, buzzing, hissing, humming, or whistling in the ears. It affects approximately 1 in 8 adults in the UK to some degree, according to the RNID.

Common causes

Tinnitus is usually a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a disease itself. Common causes and triggers include:

Age-related hearing loss — the most common cause, as the brain compensates for reduced hearing input
Noise exposure — loud music, noisy workplaces, or a single loud blast can trigger or worsen tinnitus
Ear wax build-up — impacted wax can cause or worsen tinnitus
Ear infections
Stress and anxiety — can make existing tinnitus more noticeable or bothersome
Certain medications — some drugs can cause tinnitus as a side effect
Ménière's disease
TMJ (jaw joint) problems

When to see a doctor

You should see your GP if:

Tinnitus is persistent and doesn't go away after a few days
Tinnitus is in one ear only — this should always be investigated
Tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss, dizziness, or pain
Tinnitus is pulsatile (beating in time with your heartbeat) — this requires medical investigation
Tinnitus is significantly affecting your sleep, concentration, or mental health

Managing tinnitus

While there is no cure for most tinnitus, effective management strategies can significantly reduce its impact:

Sound therapy — using background sounds to make tinnitus less noticeable
Hearing aids — if you also have hearing loss, hearing aids can reduce tinnitus by improving overall hearing
CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) — helps change your response to tinnitus
Relaxation techniques — stress reduction can help manage tinnitus
Avoiding triggers — reducing caffeine, alcohol, or loud noise exposure if these worsen your symptoms

The RNID and British Tinnitus Association (BTA) offer free advice, support, and resources for people living with tinnitus.

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Frequently asked questions

Will tinnitus go away on its own?

Temporary tinnitus (e.g., after a loud concert) usually fades within a few hours or days. Persistent tinnitus lasting more than a few weeks should be assessed by a professional. With management, many people find it becomes much less noticeable over time.

Is tinnitus a sign of hearing loss?

Often, yes. Tinnitus is frequently associated with some degree of hearing loss, though not always. A hearing test can determine whether hearing loss is present alongside your tinnitus.

Can tinnitus be cured?

Most types of tinnitus cannot be cured, but they can be effectively managed. If tinnitus is caused by wax or infection, treating the underlying cause may resolve it. For persistent tinnitus, sound therapy, hearing aids, and CBT are all effective management strategies.