Ear and hearing health review
We assess the health of your ears and consider whether hearing assessment may be helpful.
Tinnitus and Ringing in the Ears in Nottingham
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing a sound that is not coming from an external source. It may be ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing, whooshing, roaring or musical sounds, and can affect one ear, both ears or feel as though it is inside the head.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a persistent ringing, buzzing, whistling, hissing or other sound in the ears when there is no external source. It can affect one ear, both ears or feel as though it is coming from inside the head.
Tinnitus can be distressing and disruptive, and is estimated to affect around 10% of the population. Although there is no single cure, there are several effective ways to investigate, manage and reduce its impact on daily life.
- Ringing
- Buzzing
- Whooshing
- Beating or pulsing
- Musical sounds
- Hissing or roaring
Doctor-led ear assessment, with hearing guidance where appropriate
At Nottingham Ear Clinic, tinnitus is best assessed through a Private ENT Consultation. This allows a doctor to examine your ears, review your hearing and medical history, check for treatable causes such as wax or infection, and discuss a personalised management plan.
Medical history
We review your symptoms, background health, medicines, noise exposure and relevant ear history.
Tinnitus impact
We discuss the tinnitus in detail and may use a questionnaire to understand how it is affecting your quality of life.
Management plan
We discuss suitable management techniques and next steps to help reduce the impact of tinnitus.
Tinnitus can sound different for different people
Tinnitus is often described as ringing in the ears, but it can also sound like humming, buzzing, hissing, whistling, roaring or whooshing. Some people experience musical tinnitus, where the sound resembles a familiar tune. Pulsatile tinnitus is a type of tinnitus where the sound beats or pulses in time with the heartbeat.
If you are concerned about tinnitus, especially if it is one-sided, pulsatile, persistent or linked with hearing change, book a Private ENT Consultation with one of our doctors for a clinical assessment and personalised advice.
How can tinnitus be managed?
There may not be a single cure for tinnitus, but many patients can reduce how much it affects sleep, concentration and day-to-day life with the right support.
Hearing check-up
Regular hearing checks can identify hearing changes early and guide whether audiology support may help.
Earwax removal
Wax build-up can sometimes contribute to tinnitus or make it more noticeable. If wax is present, doctor-led microsuction may help.
Hearing aids
Where tinnitus is linked with hearing loss, hearing aids can improve hearing and may make tinnitus less intrusive.
Sound enrichment therapy
Background sounds such as rain, nature sounds or hearing-aid sound features can help reduce focus on tinnitus.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
CBT can help manage the stress and emotional impact associated with tinnitus.
Tinnitus retraining therapy
This combines sound-based support with strategies that help the brain reduce attention to tinnitus over time.
When to seek urgent medical advice
Most tinnitus symptoms can be assessed in a routine appointment, but some warning symptoms should not wait.
- Sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear
- New pulsatile tinnitus, especially if persistent
- Severe or rapidly worsening pain
- Facial weakness, confusion or severe headache
- Marked dizziness, collapse or severe balance disturbance
- High temperature or feeling very unwell, particularly if you have diabetes or reduced immune function
If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening or concerning, seek advice from your GP, NHS 111, an urgent treatment centre or 999 in an emergency.
Related ear care services
Private ENT Consultation
Doctor-led assessment for ear pain, discharge, tinnitus, dizziness and complex ear symptoms.
Microsuction Wax Removal
Safe, precise ear wax removal where wax is present and treatment is clinically appropriate.
Ear Infection Treatment
Assessment and treatment advice for painful, itchy, inflamed or discharging ears.
Routine Ear Health Check
For patients with no ear symptoms who want a simple doctor-led ear check, or guidance about hearing assessment and hearing aids.
Hearing Protection
Custom hearing protection, ear impressions and advice for noise exposure.
Frequently asked questions
Helpful answers about tinnitus and when to book an appointment.
What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus can be linked with noise exposure, hearing loss, some medicines, excessive earwax, head or neck injuries and certain chronic conditions. In many cases, the exact cause is not fully clear, which is why clinical assessment and hearing guidance can be helpful.
What are the side effects of tinnitus?
Tinnitus itself is not a disease, but it can significantly affect quality of life. Common effects include stress, anxiety, sleep disturbance and difficulty concentrating.
Is there a cure for tinnitus?
There is currently no known single cure for tinnitus. However, management strategies such as hearing support, sound enrichment, tinnitus counselling, CBT-based approaches and treating underlying ear problems can reduce its impact.
Can you get tinnitus in one ear?
Yes. Tinnitus can affect one ear, both ears or feel as though it is coming from inside the head. One-sided tinnitus, pulsatile tinnitus or tinnitus with sudden hearing change may require further medical investigation.
How long does tinnitus last?
The duration varies. For some people tinnitus is temporary, while for others it can become a longer-term condition. Seeking professional help can identify treatable causes and guide suitable management strategies.
Can wax cause tinnitus?
Wax can sometimes contribute to tinnitus or make existing tinnitus more noticeable. The ear should be examined before assuming wax is the cause.
Can you arrange an MRI IAMS scan if required?
Where clinically appropriate, Nottingham Ear Clinic can help patients access fast MRI internal auditory meatus imaging, with images reviewed by a consultant radiologist and the report reviewed by our doctors.
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