Advice Centre

Tinnitus Advice Centre

Understanding tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of sound without any external source, often described as “ringing in the ears.” People with tinnitus may also hear buzzing, hissing, whistling, or roaring noises, with varying intensity and duration. These sounds can be continuous or intermittent and may affect one or both ears, or seem to originate from within the head. While tinnitus can be a mild annoyance for some, it can significantly disrupt daily life, sleep, and concentration for others.

Experiencing tinnitus occasionally is normal, but if it persists for several days, it is essential to consult a doctor. Around 10% of people experience tinnitus regularly, and 1% to 2% find it particularly bothersome or distressing.

Tinnitus Advice Centre

Causes of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a symptom, not a condition, often linked to changes in the auditory system. It is commonly caused by exposure to loud noises, such as at concerts, workplaces, or through personal music devices, which can damage the cochlea’s hair cells. Other causes include ear infections, earwax buildup, head or neck injuries, and ototoxic medications, which are harmful to the ear. Stress and emotional strain can also trigger or worsen tinnitus symptoms.

Hearing loss is closely associated with tinnitus, with over 90% of cases stemming from some form of hearing anomaly. As hearing deteriorates, the brain tries to compensate by amplifying internal sounds, leading to the perception of tinnitus. Around 80% of individuals with severe hearing loss experience tinnitus. Medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and Covid-19, along with medications such as chemotherapy and blood pressure tablets, can also worsen tinnitus.

Exploring Tinnitus

Managing tinnitus

There is no definitive cure for most tinnitus cases, but sound therapy, CBT, relaxation, and lifestyle changes can improve quality of life, helping individuals adapt and manage symptoms effectively over time.

Pulsatile Tinnitus

Pulsatile tinnitus causes rhythmic sounds synced with the heartbeat, often due to blood flow changes or vessel abnormalities. Medical advice and tests like MRI/ultrasound can help identify and treat the cause.

Musical Hallucination

Musical hallucination, or musical tinnitus, involves hearing music without an external source. It’s common in older individuals with hearing loss and can be managed like other tinnitus types, without concerns.

Hyperacusis

Hyperacusis is a condition where everyday sounds feel unbearably loud and causing sensitivity. Sound therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help desensitize individuals, improving their quality of life.

Flying and Tinnitus

Flying can aggravate tinnitus due to air pressure changes, especially during takeoff and landing. Chewing gum or swallowing may help. Cold or sinus issues require extra care, but engine noise doesn’t typically worsen tinnitus.

Ear Wax Removal

Ear wax buildup can worsen tinnitus by blocking external sounds. It can be softened with drops or olive oil, and safely removed by a healthcare professional using microsuction if needed.

Drugs and Tinnitus

Certain medications, like aspirin, quinine, and ototoxic drugs, may trigger or worsen tinnitus. Consult your doctor before changing medications, and visit an audiologist for testing if tinnitus changes due to medication.

Food, Drink & Tinnitus

Certain foods and drinks like caffeine, alcohol, and salt may trigger tinnitus in some, though no strong evidence links them. Smoking, however, is linked to hearing loss and tinnitus, with quitting beneficial.

Stress and Tinnitus

High stress levels can worsen tinnitus. Managing stress with techniques like mindfulness, relaxation, and CBT can reduce tinnitus perception, helping break the stress-tinnitus cycle and improve quality of life.

Sleep and Tinnitus

Tinnitus can disrupt sleep, especially in quiet environments. A consistent bedtime routine, background sound, and a healthy sleep schedule can improve sleep. In severe cases, in-ear devices worn at night can help.

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are beneficial for those with hearing loss and tinnitus, amplifying external sounds to reduce tinnitus prominence. Some include built-in sound therapy. Proper fitting, consistent use, and audiologist guidance are essential.

TMJ Disorders

Tinnitus can be linked to temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) issues, such as arthritis or misalignment, affecting ear-connected muscles. Treating TMJ problems with physiotherapy or other methods may help tinnitus symptoms.

Who is affected by tinnitus?

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a common condition, affecting about 30% of people at some point in their lives. It becomes more prevalent with age, particularly in individuals with hearing loss, but it can also affect younger individuals, including children. According to a 2022 European study published in The Lancet, 8.6% of the population in Ireland experiences constant daily tinnitus, while 0.6% suffer from it severely. However, Tinnitus UK estimates that nearly 13% of adults in the UK have persistent tinnitus, with 1.2% experiencing severe symptoms. Applying these figures to the island of Ireland, over 600,000 people may have constant tinnitus, and around 42,000 individuals experience severe cases. While tinnitus can occur without a clear cause, certain risk factors, such as exposure to loud environments, ear trauma, and stress, increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Despite its high prevalence, clinics offering effective treatments for tinnitus remain limited.