Tinnitus UK highlights challenges faced by sufferers
Hearing a sound such as ringing, buzzing, humming or whooshing, which is not coming from an external source, is known as tinnitus. For some people tinnitus is a mild irritation but for others it can be distressing and affect their sleep, concentration and mood. In February 2025 the tinnitus charity Tinnitus UK published a report highlighting serious gaps in tinnitus care. Here we summarise the report and what people with tinnitus can do.
What tinnitus is like
Tinnitus can be short-lived or long-term, and sufferers may experience constant or intermittent symptoms. It is often linked with some degree of hearing loss, and for some people it is associated with anxiety, low mood and difficulty sleeping.
What the Tinnitus UK report found
The report ‘Ringing the alarm: the tinnitus care crisis’ was published by Tinnitus UK during Tinnitus Week in February 2025. It highlights that the condition affects around one in seven adults in the UK and details cases where people have had to wait up to three years to see an NHS ear, nose and throat specialist. It also describes long waits to receive hearing aid care and access to psychological therapies.
A further finding identified from the completed report was the lack of specific clinical content relating to patients with tinnitus within current university audiology courses. Many private audiology practitioners perceive the care of patients with tinnitus-related symptoms as a low priority, and individuals suffering with the condition describe feeling neglected and not offered adequate support.
How tinnitus is managed
There is currently no single ‘cure’ for most types of tinnitus but with the right support and adaptions many people are able to manage their symptoms. A full hearing assessment is an important first step, and treating hearing loss can also help to reduce the symptoms associated with tinnitus.
| Approach | How it can help |
|---|---|
| Hearing aids | Improve hearing and can make tinnitus less noticeable |
| Sound therapy | Background sound reduces the contrast with tinnitus |
| Talking therapies such as CBT | Help reduce distress and change how you respond to tinnitus |
| Tinnitus counselling and education | Understanding tinnitus can ease anxiety about it |
| Sleep and relaxation strategies | Help with poor sleep and stress |
Audiology support
Services of a specialist audiologist Bristol, such as https://www.imperialhearing.com/audiologist-near-me/bristol/ offer support for people with tinnitus, including hearing assessments and management plans that may involve hearing aids, sound therapy and other strategies.
When to see a GP
- You have tinnitus that is regular or constant, or is getting worse.
- It is affecting your sleep, concentration or mood.
- You hear a pulsing sound in time with your heartbeat.
- Tinnitus started after a head injury, or comes with sudden hearing loss, weakness or dizziness, in which case seek urgent medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can tinnitus go away on its own?
Sometimes. Tinnitus caused by a cold, ear infection, earwax in the ear or a short but very loud noise will often improve. Sometimes long-term tinnitus is not completely cured but gets less bothersome with time and support.
Does loud noise cause tinnitus?
The risk of noise-induced tinnitus and hearing loss can be reduced by taking care of your ears at concerts, festivals and in noisy workplaces.
Where to go next
Booking a hearing check? Read what audiologists check before a hearing test.
