Understanding tinnitus

Tinnitus is often described as ringing in the ears, buzzing, or humming. Effectively, they’re sounds generated by your nervous system or brain, and it's more common than you might think. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 Australians experience tinnitus at some point in their lives. Loud noises are a common culprit, damaging the delicate cells in your inner ear. But other factors can also play a role, including ear infections and sensory nerve disorders.

Alternately, stress, high blood pressure, and even excessive earwax can set off tinnitus as can certain medications like aspirin or some antidepressants. You might also notice your tinnitus worsening when you're tired, stressed, or have consumed alcohol or caffeine. The important thing to note is that tinnitus can be managed with the help of expert hearing care.