What is Tinnitus? Read about causes and treatment

Ringing, buzzing, hissing or roaring. It is a sensation of sound generated inside your head that only you can hear. This sensation is called tinnitus and it is surprisingly common — approximately 10% of people experience it all the time, while others experience it occasionally.

What causes tinnitus?

It is still uncertain how tinnitus begins. As with hearing loss, tinnitus is often associated with:

Exposure to loud sounds
Natural aging process
Sudden impact noises
Injuries to the head and neck
Emotional distress or stress

Find out more about the causes of hearing loss

How does tinnitus affect me?

Some people can ignore their tinnitus most of the time. For others, however, the symptoms can become so disturbing that a proper night’s sleep is impossible. A negative cycle can begin, causing tinnitus to take center stage in everyday life. Consult a physician or hearing professional if you are experiencing the symptoms of tinnitus.

Can tinnitus be treated?

There are many ways to take control of your tinnitus and reduce its impact on your life, although your tinnitus may not go away entirely. A hearing care professional can help you manage your symptoms through education, counseling and sound therapy.

Find one in your area

Sound therapy

Sound therapy means listening to sounds. It can be a helpful tool in managing your tinnitus. Sound cannot eliminate tinnitus; however, sound can make it seem like the tinnitus is eliminated or reduced. Sound can help you focus your attention on something more pleasant. By listening to different types of sound, it becomes easier to shift your attention away from the tinnitus sound. Together with your hearing professional, you can find the sound therapy that gives you the most relief.

man experiencing Oticon Opn Tinnitus SoundSupport_1200x788

Take control with Tinnitus SoundSupport™

Oticon hearing aids with Tinnitus SoundSupport help you take control of your tinnitus by playing a wide range of relief sounds like white noise and soothing ocean-like sounds. You can discreetly control the sounds in your hearing aids using the Oticon ON App for iPhone and Android. You can adjust the sounds until they give the relief you need — wherever you find yourself needing it. What’s more, you can wirelessly stream alternative tinnitus relief options, such as your favorite music, audio books, podcasts, or even relaxation guides.

Learn more about our hearing aid solutions

Oticon ON App for Opn on phone showing with Tinnitus SoundSupport ocean sound-1200x788-2

Discreet and handy control of relief sounds

The Oticon ON App allows users to adjust tinnitus relief sounds to their hearing aids easily and discreetly.

Download for iPhone

Download for Android

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Tinnitus Solutions

For the annoying sound that only you can hear

What is tinnitus?