Tinnitus is not explained by a single cause.

The most common background is a change in hearing. Noise exposure and age-related hearing loss are representative. The explanation that when hearing at a particular frequency declines the brain produces a sound in trying to compensate for that part is known.

Besides that, otitis media or Eustachian tube dysfunction, cervical and jaw tension, ototoxic medication, and stress and lack of sleep are involved.

Rarely, there are cases requiring confirmation. Tinnitus in one ear only, or pulsatile tinnitus heard in time with the heartbeat, requires distinguishing a vascular problem or a tumour, so we recommend ENT testing.

So at the first consultation we ask whether you have had a hearing test.