Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the name for hearing noises that are not caused by an outside source. It’s common – around 1 in 7 adults have tinnitus all the time or regularly.

Most often, tinnitus is linked to hearing loss or other ear conditions. It’s rarely a sign of a serious condition.

Find out more about tinnitus, what to do if you have it, and what treatments can help.

An illustration of the front cover of the RNID guide with the words 'Your tinnitus guide' and a sample of the inside pages.

Get your free tinnitus guide

Our guide has information about breathing and relaxation techniques, support communities, and what you can do to support a loved one with tinnitus.

Get the tinnitus guide

Contact us

Tinnitus support services

We run local tinnitus support services in south-east England.

What tinnitus sounds like

Tinnitus is often called ringing in the ears, but different people hear different sounds.

Tinnitus causes

Most often tinnitus is linked to hearing loss caused by normal ageing or exposure to loud noise.

What to do if you have tinnitus

It’s rarely the sign of anything serious, but see a GP if you have regular or constant tinnitus.

Tinnitus treatments

There are different therapies and things you can do to help you manage your tinnitus effectively.

Technology to manage your tinnitus

Types of sound relaxers, apps and software to help you manage your tinnitus.

Hyperacusis

The cause of hyperacusis is uncertain, but has been linked to tinnitus, as well as other conditions.

Dr Will Sedley working in his laboratory

Silencing tinnitus

Explore the insights and stories from tinnitus researchers and people in our communities for more support, information, and opportunities to fund tinnitus research.

Explore more about tinnitus

Interview with KT Tunstall: The noise within

KT Tunstall shares her personal tinnitus story and shows her support for tinnitus awareness and research.

Get involved

There are many ways you can make a difference to the lives of the 18 million people in the UK who are deaf or have hearing loss and the 1 in 3 adults in the UK who have tinnitus.

My tinnitus journey, with Jamie Laing

TV personality Jamie Laing opens up about his journey with tinnitus.