Do you hear sounds in your ears or head?
Are they affecting your sleep or concentration?
Are they affecting your mood, causing you to feel anxious or depressed?
More than 1 in 8 adults in the UK live with persistent tinnitus and 1 in 10 of those find it has a significant impact on their quality of life. Tinnitus is hearing noises where there is no external source. It is not an illness in itself, but a symptom usually caused by an underlying condition and can often accompany hearing loss. It can take many forms; such as ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling, music or other. It can be constant or it can come and go. It may be in one or both ears or may feel more central in the head.
Tinnitus can occur for many reasons, some causes are preventable while others are not. Preventable causes may include a build up of ear wax, infections, stress and anxiety and noise exposure. Keeping your ears healthy and your exposure to loud sounds to a minimum may help. Where tinnitus is not preventable, there are several strategies that can be helpful in managing it.
Tinnitus UK are an independent charity that support people with tinnitus. Their website has a wealth of information and advice for those experiencing tinnitus or supporting a loved one who is suffering.
We can help by assessing what type of tinnitus you are suffering from and why, as well as other related symptoms you may have, and recommend management strategies that will address your individual needs and circumstances. We can also refer on to other healthcare and medical professionals for further investigation and treatment, if necessary and appropriate.
[Facts and figures from BTA]
“I have often lamented that we cannot shut our ears with as much ease as we can our eyes.”
Richard steele