Common symptoms
- Ringing, buzzing, humming or hissing in one or both ears
- A sound that beats in time with your pulse (pulsatile tinnitus)
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating because of the sound
Common causes
- Hearing loss, including age-related and noise-related hearing loss
- Exposure to loud noise
- Ear wax or ear infections
- Some medicines
- Stress and tiredness, which can make it more noticeable
When to see an ENT specialist
- Tinnitus lasts for more than a few weeks
- It is only in one ear, or beats in time with your pulse
- It comes with hearing loss or dizziness
- It affects your sleep, mood or daily life
Seek urgent medical care if
- Tinnitus with sudden hearing loss
- Tinnitus with facial weakness, a severe headache or other neurological symptoms
How it is usually assessed
An ENT specialist will usually examine the ears and arrange a hearing test. Further tests or imaging are sometimes suggested, depending on the findings.
General management
Management depends on the cause. It may include treating ear problems, hearing aids when there is hearing loss, sound therapy, and support to reduce the impact of tinnitus. Protecting your ears from loud noise is important.
This page provides general information only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not describe the specific services of any doctor. Please consult a doctor about your own situation.