Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the term used for ringing, buzzes or other noises in the ear which do not come from external sound. While many people get a ringing in their ears after hearing a loud noise, for some people - about five in every thousand - the noise is severe and constant enough to affect their whole lifestyle. Tinnitus is caused by microscopic hair cells in the inner ear becoming damaged, resulting in abnormal nerve signals to the brain which are perceived as sound.

There is no cure for tinnitus, but a number of techniques can bring significant relief. Tinnitus retraining therapy combines using a device to help mask the sounds with psychological measures. It is carried out by hearing specialists and tinnitus counsellors. Physiotherapists can help by teaching relaxation techniques which reduce the tension, tiredness and distress caused by tinnitus

The British Tinnitus Association
Ground Floor, Unit 5
Acorn Business Park, Woodseats Close
Sheffield S8 0TB

tel: 0114 250 9922
fax: 0114 258 2279
Freephone: 0800 018 0527
British Tinnitus Association website