Tinnitus

1 April 2025

Tinnitus is a condition where you experience ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in your ears without any external source. It can be temporary or chronic and may affect concentration, sleep, and overall quality of life

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head without an external noise source. It can vary in intensity and pitch and may occur in one or both ears.

Types of Tinnitus:

Subjective Tinnitus – The most common type, heard only by the person experiencing it.
Objective Tinnitus – A rare form that can sometimes be heard by a doctor during an examination.

Tinnitus is not a disease itself but rather a symptom of an underlying issue, such as hearing loss, ear infections, or circulatory problems.

Common Symptoms of Tinnitus

Ringing, buzzing, humming, or hissing sounds
Intermittent or constant noise perception
Sound intensity changes throughout the day
Difficulty focusing or sleeping due to noise
Increased sensitivity to external sounds (hyperacusis)

If tinnitus persists, worsens, or affects daily life, a medical evaluation is recommended.

Potential Causes

Tinnitus can be triggered by various factors, including:

Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis) – Common in older adults
Exposure to Loud Noises – Frequent loud music or occupational noise damage
Earwax Blockage – Can cause sound disturbances
Middle Ear Infections or Fluid Buildup

Medical Conditions & Health Issues

High Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular Disease – Affecting blood flow to the ears
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders – Jaw problems linked to tinnitus
Head or Neck Injuries – Trauma affecting auditory nerves
Certain Medications – Including antibiotics, aspirin, and diuretics

How is Tinnitus Diagnosed?

At Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we use advanced diagnostic tests to identify the cause of tinnitus:

Hearing Tests (Audiometry) – Measures hearing ability and detects abnormalities
Tympanometry & Middle Ear Evaluation – Checks ear pressure and function
MRI or CT Scans – To rule out structural issues like tumors or nerve damage
Blood Tests – To identify medical conditions contributing to tinnitus

Tinnitus Treatment Options

Lifestyle & Sound Therapy

White Noise Machines – Mask background ringing
Hearing Aids – Improve hearing and reduce tinnitus perception
Relaxation Techniques – Reduce stress-related worsening of tinnitus

Medical & Advanced Treatments

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps manage emotional distress from tinnitus
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) – Gradually desensitizes the brain to tinnitus sounds
Medication Adjustments – Changing prescriptions that may worsen tinnitus
Surgical Options (Rare Cases) – If tinnitus is caused by a treatable ear condition

Arranging To Visit A Private GP

If you are experiencing persistent or bothersome tinnitus, schedule an appointment with Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital for expert evaluation and treatment.. Make an appointment with one of our private GPs who can refer you to our specialist ENT clinic. Appointments are available to everyone and can often be booked for the same day. There is no need to be registered with our The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, or live locally.

If you have insurance which covers a GP visit, we can in most cases invoice the insurer directly. Where you are paying directly, the cost for a 30 minute consultation is £100.

Any additional costs will always be discussed.

Our Resident Private GP

Dr Chamali is welcoming and highly experienced. He offers his patients sound diagnosis and treatment, along with individual care focused on their future health.