If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may be experiencing bothersome tinnitus.

Tinnitus is often a normal phenomenon, affecting 15-20% of people.¹ It is described as the perception of sound without any external stimuli, often reported as a constant or intermittent hissing, buzzing, or ringing sound in one or both ears.

There are many different causes of tinnitus, and sometimes no obvious cause as well. Common factors associated with tinnitus perception include but are not limited to: hearing loss, noise exposure, stress, fatigue, mental health, certain medications, head injury, ear infections and sinus congestion.

Many people experience tinnitus at some stage without any significant impact on their daily lives.

However, some people may find tinnitus bothersome, where their quality of life is impacted. Unmanaged, bothersome tinnitus may be distressing, with feelings of anger or isolation.

Difficulty concentrating and issues with sleep may also be reported as a result of bothersome tinnitus.²

While the presence of tinnitus cannot be removed entirely, its bothersome effects may be alleviated with hearing aids.

Because hearing aids help improve your ability to hear, it becomes easier to focus on other sounds around you, thereby taking the focus away from any tinnitus-related sounds (such as ringing in the ears).

Behavioural therapies, relaxation and mindfulness may also help manage the emotional and psychological effects of tinnitus.