Tinnitus: Common Causes, Assessment and Ways to Cope
Understand ringing or buzzing in the ears, common contributing factors, useful hearing assessments, and approaches that may reduce tinnitus impact.
Read MoreHow tinnitus is evaluated
The assessment considers whether the sound is in one or both ears, constant or intermittent, and whether it pulses with the heartbeat. Ear examination and hearing tests are common parts of the evaluation; further tests depend on the findings and symptom pattern.
Management focuses on any identifiable cause and on reducing the effect tinnitus has on sleep, concentration or daily life. There is no single treatment that works for everyone, and promises of a guaranteed cure should be treated cautiously.
What to tell the clinician
- When tinnitus began and whether it followed noise exposure
- Whether it is one-sided, bilateral or pulse-synchronous
- Any hearing loss, dizziness, ear pain or discharge
- Its effect on sleep, concentration and wellbeing
Certain patterns need prompt review
Sudden hearing loss with tinnitus needs urgent evaluation. New pulse-synchronous tinnitus, significant one-sided symptoms or neurological signs should also be assessed promptly.
This information is general and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
