If you’ve noticed ringing in one ear or both, you’re not alone. This sound — often described as buzzing, hissing, or humming — is called tinnitus. For some, it comes and goes; for others, it’s constant and intrusive. Understanding when tinnitus is harmless and when it may signal a hearing or health issue is key to protecting your long-term hearing.
At Hear with Ish, we specialise in helping people manage tinnitus through expert hearing assessments, advanced hearing aids, and personalised care. Here’s what you need to know about tinnitus, its causes, and when to seek professional help in Leicester.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head without an external source. It can affect one or both ears, and its tone varies — ringing, whistling, or even roaring. According to the NHS tinnitus guidance, tinnitus is common, affecting around 1 in 8 adults in the UK.
While it isn’t a disease itself, tinnitus is often a symptom of an underlying issue, such as hearing loss, wax build-up, or exposure to loud noise.
Why tinnitus happens
The exact mechanism of tinnitus isn’t fully understood, but it often relates to how the brain processes sound. When hearing pathways are damaged or overstimulated, the brain may create its own “phantom” sound to fill the gap.
Common causes include:
- Ear wax build-up — blocked ears can alter sound perception.
- Noise exposure — loud concerts, music through headphones, or industrial noise.
- Hearing loss — age-related or noise-induced hearing loss is closely linked.
- Ear infections or middle-ear fluid.
- Medication side effects — certain antibiotics, painkillers, or chemotherapy drugs.
- Stress and fatigue, which can heighten awareness of tinnitus sounds.
The RNID tinnitus information page explains how stress and hearing loss interact to make tinnitus more noticeable.
Ringing in one ear vs both ears
Tinnitus in both ears is more common and often related to general hearing loss or prolonged noise exposure. However, ringing in one ear only (known as unilateral tinnitus) deserves closer attention.
While it’s usually benign, one-sided tinnitus can occasionally signal an underlying condition such as:
- Ear wax impaction on one side
- Middle-ear infection or fluid
- Asymmetrical hearing loss
- Vestibular schwannoma (a rare, benign nerve tumour)
For this reason, the NHS recommends a full hearing test if tinnitus is only in one ear or accompanied by dizziness, sudden hearing loss, or pain.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should book a hearing assessment at our Leicester clinic as soon as possible.
How hearing loss and tinnitus are linked
Tinnitus and hearing loss often appear together. When the ear’s tiny hair cells are damaged (from age or noise), the brain receives fewer sound signals and starts compensating by producing its own internal sound. This process can cause tinnitus to develop or intensify.
Modern hearing aids, such as those available through our hearing solutions service, help by amplifying external sounds — allowing the brain to focus on real sound and reduce the perception of ringing.
How we assess tinnitus at Hear with Ish
At Hear with Ish, tinnitus assessments are detailed and personalised. During your appointment, we will:
- Review your medical and hearing history to identify possible triggers.
- Use video otoscopy to check for wax or infection.
- Perform comprehensive audiometry to measure your hearing thresholds.
- Carry out speech and masking tests to evaluate how tinnitus affects sound clarity.
- Provide tailored management options, including hearing aids, sound therapy, or referral to ENT if needed.
You can learn more about this process on our tinnitus management page.
Management strategies that work
While there’s no universal cure, effective management can make tinnitus much less intrusive. Based on NICE guidelines on hearing loss and tinnitus, the most evidence-based approaches include:
- Hearing aids – restoring sound input helps the brain reduce the prominence of tinnitus.
- Sound therapy – using soft background sounds or tinnitus maskers to shift focus away from the ringing.
- Relaxation techniques – mindfulness, yoga, or breathing exercises to lower stress levels.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – shown to reduce the emotional distress associated with tinnitus.
- Lifestyle changes – limiting caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, which can exacerbate symptoms.
For more details, see the RNID’s tinnitus management advice.
When to get checked urgently
Seek immediate help if you experience:
- Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears
- Tinnitus with dizziness or vertigo
- Persistent ear pain or discharge
- Tinnitus following a head injury or loud noise exposure
These symptoms may indicate an underlying medical issue that needs urgent assessment by an audiologist or ENT specialist. The NHS tinnitus page advises seeing your GP or hearing specialist promptly in these situations.
Everyday tips to reduce tinnitus impact
Small daily habits can make a big difference:
- Protect your ears – use earplugs at concerts or around loud machinery.
- Manage stress – relaxation helps your brain tune out tinnitus.
- Avoid silence – soft background sounds can make tinnitus less noticeable.
- Maintain good sleep hygiene – tiredness amplifies perception of ringing.
- Have regular hearing checks – at least once a year if you already have tinnitus or hearing aids.
If you’re not sure whether you’re due for a review, you can arrange a hearing test in Leicester to get a clearer picture of your ear health.
Frequently asked questions
Is tinnitus permanent?
In many cases it’s temporary, especially if caused by ear wax or recent noise exposure. Chronic tinnitus can be managed effectively with professional care.
Can ear wax removal help tinnitus?
Yes. If tinnitus is caused by blockage, removing wax through microsuction often reduces or eliminates the ringing.
Does stress make tinnitus worse?
Yes — anxiety and fatigue can heighten awareness of tinnitus sounds. Relaxation techniques can make a noticeable difference.
Is tinnitus dangerous?
Tinnitus itself isn’t harmful, but it can signal underlying ear or neurological issues, especially if one-sided or associated with hearing loss.
Do hearing aids really help?
Absolutely. Many modern hearing aids include tinnitus masking programmes that make the ringing less noticeable. You can read more about this on our hearing solutions page.
Can diet affect tinnitus?
Some people notice improvement by reducing caffeine, alcohol, and high-salt foods. Staying hydrated supports overall ear health.
When should I see an audiologist?
If tinnitus persists longer than a week, is in one ear, or affects your concentration or sleep, book a tinnitus management appointment.
Finding clarity and calm
Hearing a constant sound that no one else can can be unsettling — but it doesn’t have to control your life. Professional support and the right management plan can make tinnitus manageable and even fade into the background.
If you’re struggling with ringing in one ear or both, the team at Hear with Ish can help. Book your tinnitus assessment in Leicester or contact our clinic for tailored support. You can also call 07349 269037 or email contact@hearwithish.com for more information.
Helping you hear life’s best moments. Hear with Ish – Leicester’s Trusted Hearing Specialist
