Tinnitus—the perception of sound without an external source—affects millions of Australians, ranging from mild annoyance to significant distress that impacts daily functioning, sleep, concentration, and wellbeing. While tinnitus cannot typically be "cured," evidence-based management helps most people reduce awareness, minimise impact, and develop strategies for living well despite its presence.
At our Caloundra clinic, we provide comprehensive tinnitus assessment and management based on current research. Because tinnitus affects everyone differently, we create personalised plans addressing your tinnitus characteristics, situations where it bothers you, contributing hearing loss, and personal goals.
Effective management often requires combined strategies: hearing aid amplification, sound therapy, counselling, stress management, and sleep optimisation. We integrate these elements into tailored plans rather than relying on single interventions.
Thorough assessment characterises your tinnitus and identifies any underlying factors. We discuss what it sounds like, when it began, whether it's constant or intermittent, which ear is affected, and how it affects your daily life.
Comprehensive hearing evaluation is essential, as hearing loss accompanies tinnitus in roughly 90% of cases. Many people discover previously unrecognised hearing changes when seeking tinnitus help.
We review medical history, medications, noise exposure, injuries, and related health conditions. Some medications worsen tinnitus, and noise or injuries may trigger it. Understanding your overall context guides management and identifies when medical attention may be needed.
Tinnitus severity varies widely. Standardised questionnaires help measure its impact and track improvement over time.
Tinnitus originates in the brain's auditory processing, not the ears themselves. When inner ear hair cells are damaged, the brain increases internal "gain" to compensate, amplifying background neural activity and creating tinnitus perception.
This neuroplastic change explains why tinnitus is often persistent and why management focuses on reducing awareness rather than "curing" the sound itself.
The limbic system and autonomic nervous system respond to tinnitus with stress and anxiety. Stress increases tinnitus perception, creating a cycle where tinnitus triggers anxiety, which heightens tinnitus.
Breaking this cycle is central to management—education reduces fear, strategies reduce distress, and as anxiety decreases, tinnitus often becomes less noticeable.
Tinnitus management typically combines several approaches tailored to your needs.
Many supplements and herbal remedies are heavily marketed but lack scientific support; some can even be harmful at high doses. Always discuss supplements with your doctor.
Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) isn't more effective than simpler counselling plus sound therapy according to newer research.
Avoid expensive devices claiming cures—they are not supported by evidence.
Certain substances (excess caffeine, nicotine, alcohol) may worsen tinnitus for some individuals; adjust only if you notice worsened perception.
Avoid complete silence—silence increases tinnitus awareness. Gentle sound enrichment is far more effective.
Certain tinnitus characteristics warrant medical review:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Pulsatile tinnitus | Rhythmic sounds matching your heartbeat. |
| Unilateral tinnitus | Especially with asymmetric hearing loss. |
| Neurological symptoms | Dizziness, imbalance, headaches, vision changes, numbness. |
| Sudden onset after trauma, noise, or medications | Requires assessment. |
Your clinician will identify when referral is appropriate.
Most people eventually reach a point where tinnitus no longer dominates daily life. This involves habituation and effective coping strategies.
Accepting that tinnitus may not fully disappear frees you to focus on approaches that genuinely reduce impact rather than chasing unattainable cures.
As stress decreases and management strategies take effect, many people notice tinnitus less even if it remains perceptible when focused on.
Connecting with others through support groups (online or in-person) can provide validation and encouragement.
Protecting your hearing with custom ear protection prevents further damage and helps stabilise tinnitus.
Realistic expectations are essential.
Management typically reduces awareness, reduces bother, and improves daily functioning—not complete elimination.
Improvement timelines vary: some notice relief quickly, others require several months. Habituation is gradual.
Most people (around 80–85%) experience meaningful improvement in distress and quality of life when following a comprehensive management plan.
Temporary spikes can occur due to stress, fatigue, or illness—these fluctuations are normal and usually settle with continued strategies.
