Medical Encyclopaedia › Tinnitus (short definition)
In brief: Tinnitus refers to ear noises such as whistling, rushing or buzzing that are perceived without an external sound source. Many people experience it temporarily; in some it persists permanently and can be very distressing.
Causes
Tinnitus is often associated with damage to the inner ear, for example from noise, age-related hearing loss or sudden hearing loss. Other causes are earwax plugs, middle ear infections, tension in the jaw and neck area, certain medicines and, rarely, tumours on the auditory nerve. The brain amplifies the perception, especially under stress.
Assessment
An ENT examination with otoscopy and a hearing test is advisable to find treatable causes. One-sided or pulsatile tinnitus should be investigated more closely, if necessary with MRI.
Acute tinnitus
If tinnitus occurs suddenly together with reduced hearing, sudden hearing loss may be present, which should be assessed promptly by a doctor. Many acute ear noises disappear by themselves within days to weeks.
Chronic tinnitus
If tinnitus lasts longer than three months, a cure is rare, but the burden can be reduced considerably. The best evidence is for cognitive behavioural therapy, which helps to shift attention away from the noise. In people with hearing loss, hearing aids often improve the tinnitus as well. Education, relaxation and a gentle background sound in quiet surroundings are supportive. There is insufficient evidence of effectiveness for medicines, food supplements and many devices on offer. Digital health applications based on behavioural therapy can be prescribed in Germany.
When to see a doctor?
Sudden tinnitus with hearing loss, dizziness, one-sided or pulsatile ear noises, and severe psychological strain, sleep disturbances or depression due to tinnitus should be assessed by a doctor.
Related terms in the encyclopaedia
Inner ear, Sudden hearing loss, Hearing loss, Noise-induced hearing loss, Audiometry, Hearing aid, Cognitive behavioural therapy, Acoustic neuroma, Digital health application (DiGA)
Sources
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Hals-Chirurgie: S3-Leitlinie Chronischer Tinnitus, AWMF-Register 017-064
- Deutsche Tinnitus-Liga: tinnitus-liga.de
- IQWiG: gesundheitsinformation.de – Gesundheitsinformationen des Instituts für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen
Note: This article is for general information and does not replace advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor or pharmacist. Last updated: October 2026.