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 is tinnitus?

Do you have noises in your ears or in your head? Maybe the sound is a ringing, or perhaps a whistling, a hissing or a roaring? The medical word for this is tinnitus. It comes from the Latin word 'tinnire', which means 'to ring'.

You might only notice these sounds when it is very quiet, such as at night. Or they might be so loud that they intrude on your everyday life. Either way, tinnitus can be distressing and worrying – but you’re not alone.

An estimated seven million people in the UK have experienced tinnitus at one time or another. Three million have visited their GP about it, and there are many more who have tinnitus but do not know what it is or how to manage it. For at least half a million, the effect on their lives is severe.

Tinnitus will not drive you mad. Read our myths and truths page to find out more.

What causes tinnitus?

There are lots of different causes. We know that tinnitus can be linked to:

  • exposure to loud noise
  • hearing loss (deafness)
  • ear or head injuries
  • diseases of the ear
  • ear infections
  • emotional stress
  • a side effect of medication
  • or a combination of any of the above.

For many people with tinnitus, the cause isn't clear. They may never have experienced any of the things mentioned above.