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Tinnitus
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Ear Nose Throat

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a common condition characterized by perceived sounds like ringing or buzzing, which can significantly impact daily life and hearing.

Overview

Tinnitus is often described as a ringing in the ears. It also can sound like roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing. It may be soft or loud, high pitched or low pitched. You might hear it in either one or both ears.

Millions of Americans have tinnitus. People with severe tinnitus may have trouble hearing, working or even sleeping.

Causes

Causes of tinnitus include:

  • Hearing loss in older people
  • Exposure to loud noises
  • Ear and sinus infections
  • Heart or blood vessel problems
  • Meniere's disease
  • Brain tumors
  • Hormonal changes in women
  • Thyroid problems
  • Certain medicines

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. Treatments may include hearing aids, sound-masking devices, medicines, and ways to learn how to cope with the noise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Try sound enrichment by playing soft background music or white‑noise machines, especially during quiet moments. Practice stress‑reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga, as stress can heighten tinnitus perception. Maintain a healthy diet rich in omega‑3 fatty acids, stay hydrated, and avoid excessive salt and alcohol, which can worsen symptoms. Regular sleep hygiene—consistent bedtime, limiting screen time before bed—also helps.
Hearing aids amplify external sounds, which can make the internal ringing less noticeable. Sound‑masking devices emit gentle tones that blend with tinnitus, providing relief. During fitting, an audiologist will assess your hearing thresholds, customize the device settings, and schedule follow‑up appointments to fine‑tune the sound levels for maximum comfort. Patience is key; it may take a few weeks to fully adjust.
Loud noises, such as concerts, construction sites, or even prolonged use of headphones at high volume, can amplify tinnitus. To reduce impact, use ear protection in noisy settings, keep headphone volume below 60% of maximum, take regular breaks from audio devices, and avoid caffeine or nicotine close to bedtime. Keeping a quiet, dimly lit environment in the evening can also help the brain focus less on the ringing.
While many cases of tinnitus are benign, it can sometimes indicate underlying conditions like hearing loss, ear infections, high blood pressure, or even a tumor. Seek urgent care if you notice sudden onset, worsening sound, associated dizziness, facial weakness, or if the sound is accompanied by vision changes. A prompt evaluation can rule out serious causes and guide appropriate treatment.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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