Helpline

Tinnitus Helpline (Freephone)

Telephone 0808 808 6666
Textphone 0808 808 0007
SMS 0780 0000 360
(SMS costs depend on your network)
tinnitushelpline@rnid.org.uk

What can I do about it?

One common myth about tinnitus is that there is nothing you can do about it. This isn’t true. The truth is that there are plenty of ways to help you manage your tinnitus.

The first step is to see your GP. You may find it helpful to read our tinnitus leaflet. Or you could order the tinnitus leaflet to take a copy with you to your appointment.

Visiting your GP is crucial because your tinnitus may be caused by a condition that your GP can treat, such as an infection or excess earwax.

For example, if you have an ear infection, antibiotics may help clear this up, which could reduce the tinnitus. Or if your tinnitus is linked to a particular medicine, your tinnitus may not be as bad if you change or stop taking that medicine.

Talk to your GP before you change your medicine, alter your dose, or stop taking it altogether. You should also tell your GP about any over-the-counter drugs you are taking.

Once your GP has checked that your ears are free of excess wax and infection, they may refer you to the ear, nose and throat (ENT) department at your hospital.

If you're waiting to see your GP or an ENT specialist, and are struggling to cope in the meantime, there are many things you can do right now.