DO I HAVE TINNITUS?
A GUIDE TO THE SYMPTOMS OF TINNITUS

WHAT DOES TINNITUS SOUND LIKE?

Tinnitus has been described in various ways – each person’s experience can differ. However, some of the most common descriptions of what tinnitus can sound like are:

  • Ringing (usually a constant tone)
  • Roaring (like ocean waves crashing on the beach)
  • Buzzing/humming (like bees)
  • Whistling (like a stovetop kettle going off)
  • Clicking (like cicadas)
  • Crackling (like electric static on a high-tension wire)
  • Hissing (like a steam engine)
  • Pulsating (like your heartbeat)

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM EXPERIENCING TINNITUS?

If you think that you have tinnitus, the first step would be to visit your nearest hearing care professional (HCP). The HCP is the health care professional with the expertise to assess and manage all auditory-related disorders, including tinnitus.

The first step is to book an appointment with your nearest HCP for a full hearing and tinnitus assessment. They will take down your medical history, the symptoms that you are experiencing, listen to your needs and concerns, and conduct a full hearing assessment.

Afterwards, they will be able to make a recommendation on the next steps to take, which might include tinnitus management or referral to another medical professional, e.g. ENT specialist.

More about tinnitus specialists

The symptoms of tinnitus

Tinnitus is a common hearing impairment that causes a ringing, buzzing or whistling sound in your ears. But why does this happen - and what can you do about it?

Can tinnitus be cured? Learn how to manage ringing in your ears

There is no universal cure for tinnitus. However, there are ways to manage and reduce its effects, which can help improve your quality of life.
Go to the top