Tinnitus

Living with Tinnitus

Here's What You Need to Know

In the UK, around 13% of adults experience prolonged tinnitus.

That's 7.1 million people!

Tinnitus is the name for hearing noises that do not come from an outside source.

It's not usually a sign of anything serious and may get better by itself.

What does it sound like?

Tinnitus can sound like:

  • Ringing
  • Buzzing
  • Hissing
  • Humming
  • Throbbing
  • Whooshing
  • Music or even singing!


It can be unsettling or just really irritating to live with, but what causes it?

What causes tinnitus?

It's not always clear what causes tinnitus, but it's often linked to:


  • some form of hearing loss
  • Ménière's disease
  • conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders or multiple sclerosis
  • anxiety or depression
  • taking certain medicines – tinnitus can be a side effect of some chemotherapy medicines, antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin
  • sometimes it can be caused by impacted ear wax - see a professional. Do not attempt to manually remove wax with cue tips or other instruments yourself.


See a GP if:

  • you have tinnitus regularly or constantly
  • your tinnitus is getting worse
  • your tinnitus is bothering you – for example, it's affecting your sleep or concentration, or is making you feel anxious and depressed


Coping with Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a symptom.

There is no cure for tinnitus unless it is caused temporarily by ear wax or an ear infection. However, there are ways to take your mind off it:


  • Try to relax – deep breathing or yoga may help
  • Try to find ways to improve your sleep, such as sticking to a bedtime routine or cutting down on caffeine
  • Try to avoid things that can make tinnitus worse, such as stress or loud background noises
  • Join a support group – talking to other people with tinnitus may help you cope


For more self-help tips, visit: https://tinnitus.org.uk/support-for-you/what-can-i-do/self-help-tips/




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@ Prestwich Pharmacy



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Tinnitus?

It could just be ear wax.


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