Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)
Tinnitus — hearing ringing, buzzing, or hissing without an external source — is very common. It is usually not dangerous, but it has many causes, and the right assessment can both reassure and help.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Marwan Alhalalmeh, ENT Specialist · Last reviewed: 2026-06-17
Overview
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head with no outside source. It is a symptom rather than a disease, and is often linked to hearing loss, earwax, noise exposure, ear infections, or stress. Most tinnitus is harmless, but it can be distressing and occasionally points to a treatable cause. An ENT specialist examines the ears, checks hearing, and looks for any underlying factor — so that anything treatable is addressed and, where the tinnitus persists, you are given practical ways to reduce how much it intrudes.
Symptoms
- Ringing, buzzing, hissing, or humming in one or both ears
- Sound that is more noticeable in quiet surroundings or at night
- Tinnitus alongside reduced hearing
- A sense of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping because of the noise
When to see a doctor
- Tinnitus in only one ear, or that pulses in time with your heartbeat
- Tinnitus with sudden or worsening hearing loss
- Tinnitus with dizziness or ear pain
- Tinnitus that is affecting your sleep, mood, or concentration
Treatment options
- A full ear examination and hearing test to find any cause
- Removing earwax or treating an ear infection when that is the trigger
- Managing related hearing loss, sometimes with hearing aids
- Sound therapy and practical strategies to reduce the intrusion
- Referral for further tests when a specific cause is suspected
Common questions
Is tinnitus a sign of something serious?
Usually not. Most tinnitus is linked to hearing changes or noise exposure. But tinnitus in one ear only, pulsing tinnitus, or tinnitus with hearing loss or dizziness should be checked by an ENT specialist.
Can tinnitus be cured?
When there is a treatable cause — such as earwax or an infection — addressing it can resolve the noise. When tinnitus persists, treatment focuses on reducing how noticeable and bothersome it is, which helps most people considerably.
Does hearing loss cause tinnitus?
They often go together. Managing hearing loss — sometimes with hearing aids — frequently reduces tinnitus as well, which is why a hearing test is part of the assessment.
What can make tinnitus worse?
Tinnitus often seems louder in quiet surroundings, when you are tired or stressed, or after exposure to loud noise. Protecting your ears from loud sound, managing stress, and keeping some gentle background sound around you can all reduce how intrusive it feels.
How can I sleep or cope with tinnitus?
Many people find that low background sound at night — a fan, soft music, or a sound machine — makes tinnitus far less noticeable than complete silence. Relaxation routines and good sleep habits help too. If tinnitus is disturbing your sleep or mood, an ENT specialist can suggest sound therapy and other practical strategies.
Further reading
General information about this topic from an independent health authority:
NHSIf ringing in your ears is bothering you, Dr. Marwan can check for a cause and help you manage it.
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