What is Tinnitus?
- precisionhearingpr
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Heard a ringing in your ears after a loud concert? That's tinnitus. For most people it fades within a few hours. For millions of others, it never quite goes away.
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound with no external source. Ringing, buzzing, hissing, humming, or whistling, often in one or both ears, sometimes feeling like it comes from inside the head itself.
How Common Is It?
More common than most people realise. Around 10 to 15% of adults experience tinnitus in some form.
For the majority it is mild or temporary. For around 1 to 2% of the population, it is persistent enough to disrupt sleep, concentration, work, and daily life.
If you are in that second group, you are far from alone, and there is plenty that can be done.
Is It Permanent?
Not necessarily. When tinnitus is caused by something temporary like earwax, an infection, or a one-off noise exposure, it often clears up once the underlying issue is resolved.
When it is connected to lasting hearing damage or an ongoing condition, it may be a longer-term feature. But that does not mean it stays as disruptive as it feels at first.
Many people find that over time the brain gradually learns to tune it out, a process known as habituation. With the right support, that process tends to happen much faster.
How Is Tinnitus Assessed?
At Precision Hearing, we start with a thorough assessment. Not a quick tick-box exercise. We want to know when the tinnitus started, what it sounds like, what makes it better or worse, and how it is affecting your life day to day.
From there, we carry out:
Audiometry to check for underlying hearing loss
High frequency hearing tests to identify any loss across the range
Tinnitus pitch matching to pinpoint the frequency of your tinnitus
Tinnitus loudness testing to measure the intensity of what you hear
UCL testing to establish your uncomfortable level of hearing
A full case history review to identify any relevant triggers, conditions, or patterns
Getting a clear picture of your tinnitus is what makes effective management possible.
When Should You Get It Checked?
Do not wait and hope it goes away on its own if any of the following apply:
Tinnitus appeared suddenly with no obvious cause
It is present in one ear only
It comes with hearing loss, dizziness, or ear pain
It is affecting your sleep, mood, or ability to concentrate
You hear a pulsing or rhythmic sound in time with your heartbeat
That last one in particular warrants prompt attention, as pulsatile tinnitus can sometimes indicate an underlying circulatory issue.
Don't Put Up With It
Tinnitus can feel isolating, especially when it is invisible to everyone around you. But it is one of the most common hearing conditions we see, and there is a great deal that can be done to reduce its impact on your life.
At Precision Hearing, we will take the time to properly assess your tinnitus and talk through your options clearly and honestly. No pressure, no jargon, just practical support from people who understand it.
Booking is simple. Call us, book online, or send us an email. We will take it from there.
To book an appointment, please contact our clinic:
📞 +44 (0)1223 620965
📍Walk-in appointments available: Suite 2, 8 Station Rd, Histon, Cambridge CB24 9LQ
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