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Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Are you concerned about the impact tinnitus may be having? Learn more today about how we can help.
Tinnitus affects around 17 to 20% of Australians, so many people notice ringing in their ears at some point.1 It can often appear alongside changes in hearing, and be linked to hearing loss, which is why getting support early can be helpful. If anything you’re hearing is worrying you, we’re here to listen and guide you through your options.
Symptoms
Tinnitus is when you hear sounds in your ears or head that are not coming from the outside world. These sounds can feel confusing, especially if they are new.
- Ringing
- Buzzing
- Hissing
- Whooshing
- Roaring
- Whistling
Tinnitus varies from person to person. For some, it is a light sound that comes and goes and is easy to ignore. For others, it feels louder or more constant, and can interrupt sleep, focus or daily routines. Understanding where your experience sits can help you decide what to do next. If any of this is familiar, support is available and a hearing check is a helpful next step.
Causes
Tinnitus has many possible causes. Some are temporary and settle on their own. Others are linked to changes in the ear or hearing. It can help to understand the common reasons people experience it.
- Exposure to loud noise.
- A build-up of earwax.
- Age related hearing changes.
- Certain medications.
- Stress or fatigue.
- Ear infections.
- Underlying hearing loss.
If you are not sure what is causing your symptoms, a hearing check can help you understand what is going on and what to do next.
Treatments
There is no single cure for tinnitus, but many people find relief through simple changes and the right support.
Helpful approaches include:
Meditation and/or relaxation exercises
Stress reduction
Sound therapies
Medication
Aid from psychologists and/or counsellors
Improving overall health
To learn more about tinnitus treatments, watch this short video where our clinician Sam talks through how hearing aids may support people with tinnitus.
FAQs
Audiologists Talk Tinnitus
Watch out short video from our Susie Says series! In this episode our expert audiologists Sam and Chloe go head-to-head on the topic of tinnitus.
Tune in as they answer the below questions and share some practical tips to help you enhance your hearing health:
- Is tinnitus only experienced by older adults?
- Is there a cure for tinnitus?
- Is tinnitus permanent?
- Can caffeine and alcohol trigger or worsen tinnitus?
- Can anxiety and stress make tinnitus worse?
If you want to see more from the Susie Says series, click here.
If you're concerned about tinnitus for you or someone you know, call us on 1300 104 730 or book an appointment below
Better hearing starts with a FREE hearing check
- Better Health Channel (n.d.), Tinnitus, Victoria State Government Department of Health (1 May 2023), accessed 28 November 2025.
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