Tinnitus is hearing a sound when there is no external sound source. It may sound like ringing, buzzing, hissing, humming, or whistling. It can be heard in one ear, both ears, or sometimes in the head.
Tinnitus is common. It is often associated with previous noise exposure, hearing loss, or age-related hearing loss (presbycusis), although hearing may sometimes test as normal.
What can help?
There is no medication or supplement that reliably cures chronic tinnitus. Treatment focuses on making the sound less noticeable and reducing how much it affects daily life.
Use background sound
Tinnitus is often more noticeable in quiet environments. Gentle background sound can make it easier for the brain to shift attention away from it.
You can use:
- A fan or air conditioner
- Soft music
- Nature sounds
- White noise or other neutral background sounds
- A tinnitus masking or sound-therapy app
Keep the sound comfortable and relatively soft. It does not need to completely cover the tinnitus. Partial masking is usually enough.
Sound therapy apps
- ReSound Tinnitus Relief
- Auresa (Arabic)
- Tinnimizer (Arabic)
- Tinnitune (Arabic)
- Beltone Tinnitus Calmer
- myNoise
- White Noise Lite
- My Starkey (Arabic; for compatible Starkey hearing aids)
- Oticon Companion – Tinnitus SoundSupport
Use a comfortable, low-level background sound. It does not need to completely cover the tinnitus.
Protect your hearing — but not too much
Use hearing protection when exposed to genuinely loud noise, such as concerts, power tools, or other high-volume environments.
Avoid wearing earplugs throughout normal daily activities. Excessive silence can make tinnitus seem more prominent.
Hearing assessment
A hearing test is useful when tinnitus is persistent, particularly if one ear is affected more than the other or there is concern about hearing loss.
If hearing loss is present, hearing aids may improve communication and can also make tinnitus less noticeable.
Managing bothersome tinnitus
For people who remain significantly bothered by tinnitus, structured tinnitus counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy can help reduce the distress and attention associated with it.
The goal is not necessarily to eliminate the sound, but to make it less intrusive.
When should tinnitus be assessed?
Arrange an ENT or hearing assessment if:
- Tinnitus is persistent
- It mainly affects one ear
- There is associated hearing loss
- It is significantly affecting sleep or daily life
Pulsatile tinnitus — a throbbing or whooshing sound that follows the heartbeat — requires further evaluation and investigation.
Seek urgent medical assessment for:
- Sudden hearing loss
- New facial weakness or other neurological symptoms
- Severe new vertigo with neurological symptoms
Most non-pulsatile tinnitus is not caused by a dangerous condition. The need for additional testing or imaging depends on the symptoms and hearing assessment.