Creator: Katie Koebel
Published: 2024-12-16

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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.

Take the online tinnitus test Learn more - Book a consultation

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.

Question 1 - Experiencing ringing or buzzing noises

Do you ever experience ringing or buzzing sounds in your ear(s) when no external sound is present?

Question 2 - Falling asleep

Do you ever have trouble falling asleep or concentrating due to any ringing or buzzing sounds in your ear(s)?

Question 3 - Trouble following conversations

Do you ever have trouble following conversations because you don’t hear properly?

Question 4 - Understanding what others are saying

Do you find yourself turning up the volume on the TV or radio louder than normal?

* 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.

Take the online tinnitus test Learn more - Book a consultation

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.

Discover strategies for managing and preventing tinnitus.

Relaxation and mindfulness

Yoga and meditation have been proven to be particularly effective in relieving tinnitus

Sound therapy

Can help reduce the contrast between tinnitus and quiet environments

Hearing protection gear

Protection (such as earplugs) can help prevent further hearing damage caused by loud noise

Hearing aids

Can make your tinnitus stand out less by amplifying sounds. Some devices have built-in sound generators

Understanding Pulsatile Tinnitus

Pulsatile tinnitus can be a sign of a serious medical condition, and anyone experiencing it should consult their healthcare professional.

It is a unique form of tinnitus characterized by rhythmic sounds resembling one's heartbeat, can be an unsettling experience. While relatively rare, this condition occurs due to various factors, often involving disruptions in blood flow around the ear and auditory system. At HearingLife, we are committed to providing comprehensive and effective strategies to help you reduce pulsatile tinnitus and experience long-term relief.

Exploring Relaxation Techniques for Reducing Pulsatile Tinnitus

In rare cases of pulsatile tinnitus, underlying issues related to blood flow and circulation may contribute to the condition. By integrating relaxation techniques into your daily routine, you can potentially alleviate symptoms and improve your overall well-being. These techniques work by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and indirectly influencing blood flow patterns. Here are some relaxation techniques to consider:

Deep Breathing Exercises: Practicing deep breathing can help calm your nervous system, reducing stress and promoting healthy blood flow. Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four, hold for a count of four, and exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of six. Repeat this several times, allowing your body to relax with each breath.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This technique involves holding and then gradually releasing different muscle groups in your body. Starting from your toes and moving up to your head, you'll release tension and promote relaxation throughout your body.

Meditation and Mindfulness: Engaging in meditation or mindfulness exercises can help you become more aware of your body and sensations. These practices can reduce stress and potentially improve blood flow over the long term.

Yoga and Tai Chi: These gentle forms of exercise combine movement, breath, and mindfulness, contributing to relaxation and improved circulation.

Long-Term Benefits of Relaxation Techniques

While relaxation techniques may not directly target the underlying causes of pulsatile tinnitus, they can play a significant role in managing the condition and promoting long-term relief. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, you may experience a decrease in the intensity and frequency of pulsatile tinnitus episodes. Additionally, improved overall well-being and reduced stress levels can contribute to better blood flow and circulation, which may indirectly impact the condition.

Consulting a Professional

If you are experiencing pulsatile tinnitus, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional, such as an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT). They can conduct a thorough evaluation to identify any underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatment options. It's important to note that while relaxation techniques can be beneficial, they should be used in conjunction with medical guidance for optimal results.

Sound therapy can provide relief from ringing in the ears

Although sound therapy cannot eliminate this, it can be a helpful tool for managing the symptoms. With sound therapy, you listen to different, carefully selected sounds, which can help you feel that your tinnitus is reduced or temporarily gone.

It then becomes easier to hold your attention away from your condition. Plus, it helps you focus on something more pleasant. You can find the sound therapy that gives you the most effective relief from ringing in the ears by working together with your hearing care professional.

Sound therapy can be provided through:

Tinnitus masking sound generator devices
Apps for tinnitus relief
Sound and sleep apps
Hearing aids with tinnitus sound therapy features

Take the online tinnitus test Learn more - Book a consultation

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.

Image shows woman with red blush in her head holding her hands to her forehead

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

While there is no cure for tinnitus, there are some remedies that might help you cope with the condition and improve your quality of your life:
- Relaxation or meditation
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake
- Exercise
- Healthy eating habits
- Yoga
- Earplugs
- Massage therapy
- Taking Ginkgo biloba supplements
- Healthy sleep routines

Katie Koebel, M.Cl.Sc., Reg. CASLPO Senior Manager, Audiology HearingLife Canada

Katie graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) Degree, with Distinction, from the University of Western Ontario in 2006, followed by a Master's degree in Audiology from the same institution in 2008. Upon completing her studies, she began providing hearing healthcare as an Audiologist at various HearingLife clinics in the Waterloo Region, eventually settling at the Cambridge HearingLife clinic, where she has helped her clients experience better hearing for over 13 years.

Alongside her role as Senior Manager, Audiology at HearingLife, she has been a Part-Time Professor at Conestoga College in the Hearing Instrument Specialist program since 2019, teaching both Clinical Principles 1 and 2 courses.

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Last reviewed 2024-12-16

Tinnitus - Symptoms and treatment

Online Tinnitus Test

What causes tinnitus?

What are the symptoms of tinnitus?