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 if my GP doesn't give me a referral?

Although GPs are trained to a high level in a wide area of medicine, they are not tinnitus experts. Knowledge of tinnitus and its treatments may be different from doctor to doctor.

When some people visit their GP about tinnitus, they may find it hard to get a referral to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) department. This is because many GPs are not aware of the help available for tinnitus. So make sure you tell your doctor that your tinnitus is a problem and how it is affecting you.

You might find it useful to think about these questions before your appointment:

  • Is it making you feel anxious?
  • Are you having problems sleeping?
  • Are you finding it hard to cope?
  • Has it come on suddenly?
  • Where is it?

It's a good idea to take a copy of our tinnitus leaflet to help explain to your GP what you are experiencing. Download or order our tinnitus leaflet.

If you still can't get a referral, try seeing a different doctor in the practice or even changing to a different practice altogether. Remember, you have the right to a second opinion. Most GPs are helpful and it's worth asking for their help.