Tinnitus
Hearing ringing, buzzing or hissing that has no outside source. Very common, especially with age, hearing loss or after loud noise. It’s rarely a sign of anything serious, and for most people it becomes less noticeable over time. There’s no cure, so treatment aims to reduce how much it bothers you.
Treatment options
Ratings show how strong the research is.
- Moderate evidenceCBT for tinnitusA talking therapy, in person, in a group or online, that reduces distress and the impact on daily life. It doesn’t make the sound quieter, but it stops it taking over.
- Moderate evidenceHearing aidsIf you have hearing loss, hearing aids make outside sounds louder so the tinnitus is less noticeable. Start with a hearing test.
- Limited evidenceSound therapyLow background sound (a fan, music or a sound app or device) makes tinnitus less noticeable, especially at night.
- Limited evidenceTreating a causeRemoving ear wax, treating an ear infection or changing a medicine that worsens tinnitus can help some people.
- Not recommendedTablets and supplementsBetahistine, ginkgo, zinc, melatonin and vitamins don’t help tinnitus.
- Not recommendedExpensive "cures"Be wary of devices or programs that promise to cure tinnitus.
What you can do
- Protect your ears with earplugs or earmuffs around loud noise, and keep headphone volume down.
- Avoid silence: use quiet background sound at night.
- Manage stress and sleep, as both affect how loud tinnitus seems.
- Pensioners and some others may get free or subsidised hearing aids through the government Hearing Services Program.
See your GP if
- Tinnitus is in one ear only, or you can hear your heartbeat (pulsing) in your ear
- You notice hearing loss
- It affects your sleep, mood or concentration
See a doctor the same day for sudden hearing loss in one ear, with or without tinnitus: treatment works best if started within days. Call 000 for tinnitus with face weakness, slurred speech or severe dizziness. If you feel hopeless, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Evidence and more information
maladywise.com/tinnitus/