Tinnitus

Tinnitus is when you experience ringing, buzzing or other sounds in one ear, both ears, or in the head. This perception of sound comes from within the head and not from an external sound source. In most cases, only you can hear tinnitus, not anyone else around you.

Tinnitus is a common experience. Many people experience short episodes of tinnitus. For example, you might notice it after exposure to a very loud sound. About 15 to 20 percent of people hear tinnitus regularly. 

Hearing loss is common in persons with tinnitus. Most people with tinnitus have some hearing loss, even if they do not feel that they have a hearing problem. If you are experiencing tinnitus regularly, you should have your hearing evaluated. You can book a hearing test at a private hearing clinic. Hospital Audiology Departments only do hearing evaluations at the request of a specialist, like an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor.

Tinnitus is a symptom that can be associated with several health conditions.

Tinnitus is not usually associated with serious illness or disease. Occasionally, tinnitus is a symptom of a condition that requires medical follow-up.

If you have tinnitus that is in just one ear, that is rhythmic or pulsating, or that is extremely bothersome, you should see your primary care provider (PCP). You should also tell your PCP about any other ear symptoms you might be experiencing. For example:

• feelings of pain or fullness in the ear or ears
• discharge from the ear
• feelings of dizziness or loss of balance
• sudden hearing loss.  

Your PCP can refer you to an ENT doctor for evaluation. 

• Tinnitus may go away or be less noticeable with time. Tinnitus can be caused by a medical condition and may improve or go away if the medical condition is treated or improves. Even when tinnitus does not go away, you might find that you stop noticing tinnitus after a time. You might be able to hear the tinnitus when you listen for it, but it does not bother you or interfere with activities.
• Tinnitus can change with hearing difficulty, stress, and even muscle tension. Many things can cause tinnitus to change or make it seem more bothersome. Tinnitus can be more noticeable in any situation where hearing is a challenge. This is true even for those with a mild hearing loss. Examples include noisy restaurants and group conversations. Tinnitus can also be more noticeable in very quiet places, such as a quiet bedroom at night. It can become louder during times of increased stress, worrying, grief, or emotional pain. It can also change with head, neck or jaw movement. Some people find tinnitus gets louder with increased pain in the head or neck.  
• People with tinnitus may find it hard to tolerate loud and high-pitched sounds. This is called decreased sound tolerance or hyperacusis. Hyperacusis is common in persons with bothersome tinnitus. Many people with hyperacusis find loud sounds can temporarily worsen tinnitus.

If your tinnitus triggers unpleasant thoughts and feelings or makes it hard to concentrate, sleep, hear, or relax, you should see a health professional familiar with tinnitus. They can help you make tinnitus less noticeable and less bothersome. Some hearing health and mental health care providers have special training in tinnitus care.

Clinics that treat tinnitus

The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca

Advances in treatments are all thanks to medical research. While participating in research is a decision you should make for yourself in consultation with your care team, there is much activity in this area so please ask us about our research programs if you’re interested.

By taking part in research, you can help us all learn more about advancing health outcomes and find better ways to help people live and thrive. While you cannot assume benefit to yourself, your participation can make a difference in improving care for future patients.

The following clinical trials are currently enrolling volunteers. Please ask your care team for more information or contact the research team listed on each study or trial. For other information about research at Providence Health Care, please visit Providence Research.

You need a referral from an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor or a primary care provider to attend the Tinnitus Clinic.