Tinnitus

Key facts

• Tinnitus is the sensation of sound (ringing, buzzing, hissing or whooshing) with no external source, ranging from a mild background nuisance to something intrusive enough to disrupt sleep and concentration.
• Most tinnitus starts in the inner ear, where reduced blood flow or fluid-pressure changes in the cochlea disrupt how sound signals reach the brain; noise exposure, age-related hearing change, ear infections and some medicines are common triggers.
• Betahistine improves inner-ear microcirculation and reduces fluid pressure, useful when tinnitus is tied to vestibular or inner-ear conditions; broader help sits under neurology.
• Tinnitus in one ear only, or with hearing loss or dizziness, needs review.

What lies behind the ringing

Most tinnitus originates in the inner ear, where reduced blood flow or changes in fluid pressure in the cochlea disrupt sound signalling. The same mechanism behind Meniere's disease, fluctuating inner-ear fluid pressure, often produces both tinnitus and vertigo together. Other triggers include prolonged noise exposure, age-related hearing change, ear infections and certain medicines.

Treatment targets the underlying cause where possible. Betahistine works by improving microcirculation in the inner ear and easing excess fluid pressure, which makes it useful when tinnitus is linked to vestibular or inner-ear conditions. Where there is a neurological component, broader support sits under the neurology category.

When to see a doctor

Persistent or sudden tinnitus, especially in one ear or with hearing loss or dizziness, warrants a medical review, since it can occasionally signal a treatable underlying cause.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.