• Tinnitus is very common. Approximately 15% of the world’s population experiences tinnitus.
    • In Canada, 360,000 individuals experience tinnitus and of these, 150,000 experience a degree of tinnitus that significantly affects their quality of life.
  • Tinnitus is most commonly a result of having hearing loss. Therefore, if an individual experiences tinnitus, a hearing test should be conducted.
  • Tinnitus does NOT cause hearing loss or affect a person’s ability to hear.
  • Although hearing loss is the most common cause of tinnitus, stress and fatigue can also worsen it.
  • Tinnitus can vary from person to person and can fluctuate in pitch, loudness or quality even for a given individual.
    • Tinnitus has been described as ringing, buzzing, humming, the sound of insects, running water or even an engine/machine.
  • Tinnitus can be in one or both ears or even “inside the head.”
    • WARNING: If tinnitus is ever experienced in only one ear, it is important that a hearing test be conducted.
  • Even if your tinnitus is very loud, it will not interfere with your ability to hear real sounds.
    • Remember: tinnitus is usually the result of having hearing loss. Tinnitus does NOT cause hearing loss.
  • By protecting one’s hearing, the chances of developing tinnitus are reduced.
    • One of the easiest ways to protect your hearing is to avoid prolonged exposure to loud sounds (e.g. loud music).
  • A proven treatment that completely eliminates tinnitus has yet to be developed however there are ways to reduce it to the point that it is no longer bothersome. Please see your hearing health care professional for more information.