Tinnitus

Tinnitus is when you hear ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears without an external source. It’s not a condition itself but a symptom of something else, like hearing loss, loud noise exposure, or an ear issue. While there’s no single cure, treatment for tinnitus can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Common Signs of Tinnitus

Tinnitus varies from person to person—some find it mildly annoying, while for others, it can seriously impact daily life.

What you may not be aware of about
tinnitus...

1

Around 17 to 20% of Australians experience some form of tinnitus

2

Approximately 25% of the workforce in Australia has tinnitus

3

Up to 70% of Australians aged 18 to 35 have experienced tinnitus

4

Tinnitus can affect daily life, mental health, and overall well-being

image of a man gazing at the sky, representing treatment for tinnitus

What the research says about tinnitus

Tinnitus—those persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming sounds in the ears that don’t come from an external source—is a common issue, particularly as people age. Around 14% of adults experience it to some degree, with about 2% having severe symptoms. It’s not just about hearing a noise; for some, tinnitus can significantly affect their emotional well-being, causing anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances.

Doctors assess tinnitus by looking at medical history, conducting hearing tests, and considering other factors like stress, anxiety, and depression. In some cases, imaging may be needed to rule out underlying conditions.

What Are the Most Effective Treatments for Tinnitus?

While there’s no universal cure, treatment for tinnitus focuses on reducing its impact through evidence-based methods:

  1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

    CBT helps reframe negative thoughts about tinnitus, reducing distress and making the sound less intrusive. Some research even suggests it may lower perceived tinnitus loudness.

  2. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    Instead of fighting tinnitus, ACT focuses on accepting it while continuing with daily activities. Studies suggest it can help reduce emotional distress associated with tinnitus.

  3. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)

    This combines sound therapy and counselling to help the brain tune out tinnitus over time. It has shown effectiveness, especially when combined with medication in some cases.

  4. Hearing Aids

    For those with hearing loss, hearing aids amplify external sounds, making tinnitus less noticeable. Some include tinnitus-masking features, though research on their added benefit is mixed.

  5. Sound Therapy

    Using external noise—like white noise machines, nature sounds, or music—can provide short-term relief. Customised notched music therapy is another option, though results vary.

  6. Emerging Treatments for Tinnitus

    Neuromodulation & Neurofeedback – These train the brain to respond differently to tinnitus but require more research.
    Smartphone Apps & Virtual Reality – Digital tools are being explored, though strong evidence is still lacking. 
    Physiotherapy & Head-Neck Manipulation – May help if tinnitus is linked to muscle tension or jaw issues.

*Source: Recent Updates on Tinnitus Management – National Library of Medicine PubMed Central

Our Psychologists, highly qualified with Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology, provide treatment for tinnitus using evidence-based approaches. They use Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), the gold standard for many psychological issues, along with other effective treatments like Mindfulness and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).