Tinnitus
What You Need to Know
Tinnitus refers to hearing sounds in your ears when there is no external source. These sounds can take many forms—ringing, buzzing, whistling, hissing, roaring, or even chirping. It affects many people across Canada. Some experience tinnitus occasionally or mildly, while others find it has a strong impact on daily life. Everyone deserves relief.
Quick Facts
• Up to 90 percent of people with tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss that is caused by noise.
• Overall, about 37 percent of Canadian adults between ages 20 and 79 have tinnitus.
What Can Cause Tinnitus
The exact causes are not fully understood. However several triggers are known to either initiate or worsen tinnitus symptoms:
- Exposure to loud sounds or ongoing noise that damages tiny hair-cells in the inner ear (cochlea) or the nerves connected to it.
- Natural aging, which can lead to gradual deterioration of inner ear structures.
- Certain medications that are “ototoxic” (they affect ear function), including antibiotics, some anti-inflammatory drugs, and some antidepressants.
- Ear or hearing disorders, such as Ménière’s disease or otosclerosis.
- Other health issues—high blood pressure, cardiovascular concerns, head injuries, stress—can play a role in how severe tinnitus is.
Is There a Cure?
At present there is no known cure for tinnitus. Relief is found through a customized treatment plan. That might include counselling, therapies based on sound, and managing any hearing loss.
What You Can Do If You Think You Have Tinnitus
- See a hearing care professional for a full evaluation. They will perform tests to better understand your symptoms.
- Discuss approaches that could help you, such as sound therapy, using hearing aids if needed, or other relief tools.
- Try our free online tinnitus test to explore the severity of your symptoms and find suggestions on what might help.