Tinnitus

What tinnitus is

Tinnitus is the perception of sound (ringing, buzzing, hissing, humming, whooshing, pulsing, or even music) when there is no corresponding external sound. People may hear it in one ear, both ears, or “in the head”, and it can be continuous or intermittent, changing in loudness and pitch.

How common it is

Recent RNID analysis suggests more than 7 million adults in the UK—about 1 in 7—have tinnitus. Professional audiology guidance states that around 1 in 8 UK adults live with persistent tinnitus.

Causes and Impact

Tinnitus is often linked to hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, ear infections, or changes in health. While there is no simple “cure”, many people find it becomes less noticeable over time. When troublesome, it can affect concentration, sleep, and mood.

Management and Resources

Standard NHS-recommended approaches include addressing underlying issues, sound therapy, and psychological strategies like CBT to change how the brain reacts to the sound.

Local Support: Bristol Tinnitus Support Group