Tinnitus -ringing in the ears

It can happen anywhere and at any time - while talking on the phone, during a presentation at work, or even when you’re simply sitting in silence. You hear a noise that no one else seems to hear and that doesn’t seem to have a source. While others may not experience the exact sound, you’re not alone. You may have tinnitus - one of the most common health conditions that affects between 10 and 15% of the global population on a regular basis.

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus has been described as ringing, buzzing, clicking or hissing, among others, in your ears that only you experience. The type and intensity of noise varies from person to person and you may even experience it in different ways. It can be a high-pitched, deep, low-pitched, or even a tone that changes. 

Whether the sound is mild or severe, occasional or constant, tinnitus can keep you from concentrating and hearing what you want to hear. 
Man with eyes closed.

Causes of tinnitus

Tinnitus can develop in people of all ages and backgrounds, but people who are older or who've had a lot of exposure to noise are especially at risk.

Possible causes of tinnitus include:

  • Exposure to loud music, construction noise, or gunshot sounds
  • Side effects of medication
  • Injury to the ears, neck or head
  • Aging
  • Neurological disorders
  • Degeneration of bones in the middle ear
Learn more
Sound barometer.

Tinnitus and hearing loss

If you have tinnitus, you probably also have some degree of hearing loss; 80-85% of people with tinnitus do.
 
In fact, hearing loss may affect the signals sent from the ear to the brain. Those signals are then bounced back as the sound known as tinnitus. While tinnitus doesn’t cause hearing loss, the perceived sound can be distracting and make it hard to concentrate on other sounds. That’s why hearing aids can be an effective way to treat tinnitus as well as hearing loss. 
 
Tinnitus can present itself in many ways.
 
Types of tinnitus
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Tinnitus treatment

Tinnitus can be frustrating and take attention away from your family, friends, and the requirements of your daily life. There's no cure for most types of tinnitus, but there are tinnitus management options that can give you relief.

Sound therapy involves introducing sound to teach the brain to classify tinnitus as a background noise. 
Tinnitus treatment options
Man with tinnitus.

Get relief from your tinnitus with our app: ReSound Relief™

We understand tinnitus is individual. That's why we have created a solution.

ReSound soundscapes are developed to mask your tinnitus. Hear how it works here.

    Soundscape
  • Tinnitus 1

  • Tinnitus 2

Download the ReSound Relief app here:

Get relief

Think of a candle in a dark room. Since there’s such a contrast between the candle and its dark environment, the candle really stands out. But same candle in a well-lit, busy room blends into the background. The same is true for tinnitus. The introduction of other sounds masks the tinnitus so that it blends with the background and is less prominent.
 
Get relief from your tinnitus with the ReSound Relief app. A combination of sound therapy and relaxing exercises help you focus on the sounds that matter.
Tinnitus Relief
Download on the App Store. Get it on Google Play.

Tinnitus management programme

Another option is a tinnitus management programme, which aims to teach the brain to be less distracted by tinnitus sounds while learning to focus on other more important things in life.

Tinnitus can’t be completely eliminated and there are no fast fixes. But with help from your hearing care professional, you can set the right goals and learn to manage your tinnitus. It takes commitment and time, but managing your tinnitus can help you be more comfortable.

Your treatment is just as individual as your tinnitus. Which option is best for you? 
Download our guide to tinnitus management
Patient managing his tinnitus with a professional.
ReSound hearing care professional interacting with a patient during an appointment.