Tinnitus Advice Centre
Understanding tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external source is present. Often described as "ringing
in the ears," individuals may also hear buzzing, hissing, whistling, or even roaring noises. These
sounds can vary greatly in intensity and duration, sometimes persisting continuously or appearing
intermittently. Tinnitus can affect one or both ears or even seem to originate from within the head.
For some people, it’s a mild annoyance, but for others, it can significantly affect daily life, sleep,
and concentration.
It is normal to experience tinnitus from time to time but if it does not fade away within a few days it is very important to consult your doctor. About 10% of the population experience tinnitus all the time and 1% to 2% of the population find it bothersome and even distressing.
Causes of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a symptom rather than a condition itself. Its onset is typically linked to changes in the
auditory system. For instance, exposure to loud noises—such as at concerts, workplaces, or through
personal music devices—can damage hair cells in the cochlea, leading to tinnitus.
Other common
causes include ear infections, earwax blockage, head or neck injuries, and certain medications that
are ototoxic (harmful to the ear). Stress and emotional strain are also major contributors, as they
can trigger or worsen tinnitus.
In short, hearing loss is closely associated with tinnitus and some form of hearing anomaly is the
root cause of more than 90% of tinnitus cases. When hearing deteriorates, the brain attempts to
compensate by amplifying internal sounds, which can lead to the perception of tinnitus. About 80% of people with severe hearing loss experience tinnitus.
In addition to stress, caffeine, alcohol and salt may worsen tinnitus as can some medications and
illnesses. Hypertension, diabetes and Covid-19 are known to potentially worsen tinnitus and
damage the auditory system as are some medications such as chemotherapy and blood pressure
tablets.
Who is affected by tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a widespread condition, impacting around 30% of people at some point in their lives. It
is more common as people age, particularly in individuals with hearing loss, but can also affect
younger people, including children. The most recent statistics for tinnitus in Ireland can be found in
the European study from 2022 published in the Lancet (link below). It states that 8.6% of the
population experiences constant daily tinnitus while 0.6% suffer severely from the condition.
This may be an underestimation as according to Tinnitus UK approximately one in seven adults in the
UK live with persistent tinnitus, almost 13% while 1.2% suffer severely. If the lower percentages
are applied to the population of the island of Ireland it means that over 600,000 people experience
constant tinnitus and 42,000 suffer severely.
While the condition can occur for no apparent reason, risk factors such as regular exposure to loud
environments, ear trauma, and stress increase its likelihood. Despite the very large numbers of
tinnitus cases, our clinics are among the very few nationwide to offer very successful help to
those who experience tinnitus.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(21)00236-2/fulltext
Managing tinnitus
There is a cure for a small percentage of tinnitus cases which are caused by conductive hearing loss
(ear blockages where the obstruction can be removed). However, for the majority of tinnitus cases
various management techniques can be employed to significantly improve quality of life.
These include sound therapy, where external noises (like white noise or nature sounds) help mask the
internal ringing, as well as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which can change how patients
react emotionally to the sound. Relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes such as
reducing stress and avoiding loud noises are also effective strategies. While it may be factually
correct to say that currently, there is no definitive cure for tinnitus, the same may be said for many
other conditions from tooth decay to eyesight impairment and countless others besides.
Most people find that over time, they become less aware of their tinnitus as their brain adapts to the
sound. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, such as audiologists or tinnitus specialists,
can also provide personalised advice and interventions.
Tinnitus may be common, but it doesn’t have to dominate one’s life. With the right management
and support, many people find ways to live comfortably alongside it.
Sources – tinnitus.uk.org
Causes of tinnitus
Tinnitus is a symptom rather than a condition itself. Its onset is typically linked to changes in the
auditory system. For instance, exposure to loud noises—such as at concerts, workplaces, or through
personal music devices—can damage hair cells in the cochlea, leading to tinnitus.
Other common
causes include ear infections, earwax blockage, head or neck injuries, and certain medications that
are ototoxic (harmful to the ear). Stress and emotional strain are also major contributors, as they
can trigger or worsen tinnitus..
In short, hearing loss is closely associated with tinnitus and some form of hearing anomly is the
root cause of more than 90% of tinnitus cases. . When hearing deteriorates, the brain attempts to
compensate by amplifying internal sounds, which can lead to the perception of tinnitus. In fact,
about 80% of people with severe hearing loss experience tinnitus.
In addition to stress, caffine, alcohol and salt may worsen tinnitus as can some medications and
illnesses. Hypertension, diabetes and Covid-19 are known to potentially worsen tinnitus and
damage the auditory system as are some medications such as chemotherapy and blood pressure
tablets.
Our consultations
1. *Audiological Test
2. Frequency Matching
3. Tinnitus Quietening
Every case of tinnitus is unique and a full audiological assessment is necessary to help sufferers.
Return visits are usually required.
Full consultations can take up to 90 mins and cost €150 during which 90% of sufferers experience their tinnitus being lowered.
We strongly suggest that a support person attends during the appointment
*Onward referral if necessary to an appropriate medical professional.
Exploring Tinnitus
Pulsatile Tinnitus
Pulsatile tinnitus is a specific form of tinnitus where a rhythmic sound is heard in sync with the heartbeat. This can result from changes in blood flow or abnormalities in nearby blood vessels.
It is important to seek medical advice, and contact your GP, as investigations such as MRI, CT, or ultrasound may help determine the underlying cause. Treating the root cause may improve pulsatile symptoms.
Musical Hallucination
Musical hallucination, also known as musical tinnitus, involves hearing music when there is none. It is most common in more senior people with hearing loss who may have a strong connection to music.
This type of tinnitus is generally not related to mental health issues and usually be managed in ways similar to other types of tinnitus.
Hyperacusis
Hyperacusis is a condition where everyday sounds seem unbearably loud, which can lead to social withdrawal and heightened sound sensitivity. Therapy, such as sound therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), usually helps desensitize the individual to sounds and improves their quality of life. This condition can be very successfully managed.
Flying and Tinnitus
Flying can aggravate tinnitus for some due to changes in air pressure, especially during takeoff and landing. Simple strategies like chewing gum, yawning, or swallowing during flight may help alleviate discomfort.
People with cold or sinus issues should take extra care. Engine noise during the flight usually does not exacerbate tinnitus.
Ear Wax Removal and Tinnitus
Ear wax buildup can sometimes contribute to or worsen tinnitus, as it blocks external sounds from reaching the eardrum.
Ear wax can be softened with drops or olive oil, and if necessary, removed by a healthcare professional. Microsuction is a preferred method for removing ear wax safely.
Drugs and Tinnitus
While most drugs do not cause tinnitus, some, like aspirin or quinine, may trigger it at high doses. Other medications, such as aminoglycoside antibiotics and certain cancer treatments, may also affect hearing. Ototoxic drugs which damage hearing may trigger tinnitus or exacerbate existing problems.
It’s essential to consult your doctor before changing or stopping any prescribed medication. Also, if tinnitus appears to change as a result of medication it is important to attend your audiologist for testing.
Food, Drink and Tinnitus
Although some people report that certain foods or drinks affect their tinnitus, there is no solid scientific evidence to support a strong link. Caffeine and alcohol are often cited, but most studies have not found a direct connection.
That said, caffeine, alcohol and salt are known to increase neural activity and for some people, this may be the trigger to increase their tinnitus as greater activity in the brain may increase the available “brain static” which “feeds” tinnitus... Smoking, however, is linked to both hearing loss and tinnitus, and quitting can have multiple health benefits.
Stress and Tinnitus
High levels of stress can make tinnitus more troublesome. Managing stress through techniques like mindfulness, relaxation, and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can significantly reduce the perception of tinnitus. Breaking the cycle of stress and tinnitus is crucial for improving quality of life.
Sleep and Tinnitus
Many people with tinnitus experience difficulty sleeping, as the noise becomes more noticeable in quiet environments. Creating a consistent bedtime routine, using background sound, and maintaining a healthy sleep schedule can improve sleep quality and reduce the impact of tinnitus at night.
For serious cases, we build special in-ear devices which ameliorate tinnitus and can be worn at night in bed.
Hearing Aids and Tinnitus
Hearing aids are usually very beneficial for those with hearing loss and tinnitus. By amplifying external sounds, hearing aids can reduce the prominence of tinnitus.
Some hearing aids also have built-in programs and tools that provide sound therapy. Guidance from your audiologist, precise fitting and consistent use are crucial for the best outcomes.
TMJ Disorders and Tinnitus
Tinnitus can sometimes be linked to issues with the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ). Problems with this joint, such as arthritis or misalignment, may affect muscles that are connected to the ear, leading to tinnitus.
Treating TMJ issues, through physiotherapy or other interventions, may relieve tinnitus symptoms.