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Ringing in the ears (Tinnitus):
What it is
It is a condition which is related to hearing loss.
However, it can have many causes, including exposure to loud noise, aging, ear infections, and injury.
It can also be experienced as hissing, roaring, or buzzing sounds. While there is no direct cure for ringing in the ears, there are several ways that you can reduce the impact it has on your quality of life.
Take a free hearing test at your nearest HearingLife clinic to find out whether you are experiencing tinnitus or hearing loss.Our online test can help you test for tinnitus and understand what you can do about it if you have tinnitus/hearing loss.
Online Tinnitus Test
People with this condition often experience hearing loss too. Our quick online test can help you test for tinnitus and understand what you can do about it if you have tinnitus/hearing loss.
Your result:
Indications of tinnitus and hearing loss
Book a FREE hearing test in a clinic near you
Book FREE hearing test* The result of the test may only be used for guidance. Official conclusions about hearing loss/tinnitus can be provided by our certified hearing care experts.
Your result:
Indications of hearing loss
Book a FREE hearing test in a clinic near you
Book FREE hearing testYour result:
Symptoms of tinnitus indicated
* The result of the test may only be used for guidance. Official conclusions about hearing loss/tinnitus can be provided by our certified hearing care experts.
Your result:
No tinnitus or hearing loss indicated
Your answers indicate that you do not have tinnitus - or that you have non-bothersome tinnitus that is not currently affecting your everyday life. If you experience symptoms of tinnitus in the future, we recommend visiting your local health care provider.
* The result of the test may only be used for guidance. Official conclusions about hearing loss/tinnitus can be provided by our certified hearing care experts.
What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus, often experienced as a ringing in the ears, can be caused by various factors including loud noise exposure, aging, infections, stress, certain medications, injuries, and other medical conditions. It's typically linked to damage to the inner ear's sensory cells or the auditory nerve. If you're experiencing persistent tinnitus, it's wise to consider a hearing test to understand the underlying cause.
Learn more about the causes of tinnitus.“Tinnitus is any sound that you hear that does not have an external source. Many people will describe it as a whistling, humming or ringing sound,” explains Koebel. ‘It is often a symptom of hearing loss or other damage in the auditory system, and if you are experiencing tinnitus it is important that you have your hearing tested.
Katie Koebel, Audiologist, M.Cl.Sc., Reg. CASLPO
What are the symptoms of tinnitus?
Symptoms of tinnitus typically include ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ears. These sounds can vary in intensity and may be continuous or intermittent. Tinnitus can also be accompanied by feelings of frustration, anxiety, and stress due to the persistent nature of the sound. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management.
Learn more about tinnitus symptoms.
Types of tinnitus
It can generally be divided into two types of physical conditions: subjective and objective.
Subjective Tinnitus
The most common form of is subjective. This type involves you hearing annoying whistling/buzzing/high-pitched noises that aren’t really there.
Objective Tinnitus
This type is a rarer form of this condition where your blood vessels or muscles are making noises that are loud enough for you to hear. Your doctor may be able to hear it during your hearing test.
Tinnitus treatment and prevention
While tinnitus doesn't have a cure, managing its effects is possible through various strategies, making it a less disruptive presence in your life. Effective management can transform tinnitus from a bothersome noise to a neutral aspect of your daily experience.
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Do Hearing Hearing Aids Help With Tinnitus?
Hearing aids can significantly reduce the impact of tinnitus by masking the ringing or buzzing sensation. They also offer features like Bluetooth connectivity or white noise options to provide continuous sound, helping to retrain the brain's response to auditory signals. Wearing hearing aids can lower stress levels by ensuring individuals don't miss important sounds, leading to decreased frustration and fatigue. While hearing aids can't cure tinnitus, they offer essential support to alleviate its discomfort.
Learn more about how hearing aids help manage tinnitus.
Consequences of untreated tinnitus
Some tinnitus sufferers become sensitive to places with constant talking or loud music, so they begin to avoid such social situations altogether. To others, it is so disturbing that a full night’s sleep can become difficult to achieve. Tinnitus, if left untreated, can lead to the following consequences:
- Anger
- Concentration problems
- Isolation
- Depression
- Sensitivity to places with constant talking or loud music
- Sleep disorder, insomnia
Some people are able to ignore their condition most of the time, but leaving it untreated can have a negative impact on your life if it is experienced over extended periods of time.
#DidYouKnow?
- Research shows that males are more likely to experience symptoms of tinnitus than females.
- Tinnitus affects millions worldwide, with 1 in 7 adults experiencing some form of it.
- Despite being commonly referred to as a “ringing in the ears,” tinnitus can also sound like buzzing, hissing, or even clicking—often impacting daily life and mental well-being.
- The word tinnitus comes from the latin word ‘tinnire’ which means ‘to ring’.
- An estimated 37% of adult Canadians reported experiencing tinnitus.
- Winter is beautiful, but did you know it can also impact tinnitus? Many people experience heightened symptoms of tinnitus during the colder months.
FAQ about tinnitus
Katie graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours), with Distinction, from the University of Western Ontario in 2006, followed by a master’s degree in audiology from the same institution in 2008. She began her career providing hearing healthcare as an audiologist at the HearingLife Cambridge clinic. Here, she supported clients in achieving better hearing outcomes for over 13 years.
Last reviewed 2025-12-16
Sources
- Al-Swiahb, J., & Park, S. N. (2016). Characterization of tinnitus in different age groups: A retrospective review. Noise & health, 18(83), 214–219. https://doi.org/10.4103/1463-1741.189240
- Beck D.L. (2012) British Academy of Audiology. Podium presentation.
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321093#how-does-noise-damage-occur
- https://tinnitus.org.uk/support-for-you/what-can-i-do/relaxation/
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https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/hearing-aids/hearing-loss-statistics/
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https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2019003/article/00001-eng.htm
