There is no pill that cures tinnitus. But a lot of things do help. The best proof is for talking therapy called CBT, and for hearing aids if you also have hearing loss. Most people find the ringing bothers them much less over time, especially with the right support.
Written by the NeuroAudiology Australia team. Reviewed by Mo Helou, Principal Audiologist (Accredited Audiologist, Audiology Australia). Checked November 2026.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is hearing a sound that is not really there. It can ring, hiss, buzz, hum or whoosh. It can come and go, or stay all the time.
It is very common. Healthdirect says up to 1 in 5 people get it at some point. A big 2022 study found about 1 in 7 adults around the world have it. For most of them, it is a small thing. For a few, it is really upsetting.
Tinnitus is a sign, not a disease. It is often linked to hearing loss, loud noise, earwax, stress or age.
When should I see a doctor straight away?
Most tinnitus is not dangerous. But please see a GP or go to hospital quickly if:
- Your hearing suddenly drops, in one or both ears. This is an emergency. Fast treatment can save hearing.
- You also feel weak, numb, confused or your face droops.
- It started after a hit to the head.
- You feel very low or unsafe. Please talk to someone today.
Book a check soon (not an emergency) if the sound is only in one ear, or it pulses in time with your heartbeat. These need a closer look.
What actually helps tinnitus?
Here is what the research says, in plain words.
- Finding the cause. Sometimes it is simple, like earwax or a middle ear problem. Fix that, and the noise may fade.
- Hearing aids, if you have hearing loss. They bring back the sounds around you. That makes the ringing stand out less. The UK health guide (NICE) says to offer them when hearing loss makes talking hard. If your hearing is normal, hearing aids will not help.
- Tinnitus CBT. CBT is a type of talking therapy. It does not switch the sound off. It helps you worry about it less, so it bothers you less. A big review of 28 studies found it is the best proven help so far. It can be done in person or online.
- Learning about it. Just knowing “this is not dangerous” helps a lot. Fear makes tinnitus feel louder.
- Gentle sound. A fan, soft music or rain sounds can take the edge off, mostly at bedtime. The research on this is mixed. It is cheap and safe to try.
- Looking after yourself. Sleep, less stress and moving your body. Tinnitus often gets louder when you are tired or stressed.
What does not work?
We want to be honest, because many people waste money here.
- Pills and supplements. No medicine is proven to cure tinnitus. Reviews have not shown that ginkgo helps. NICE says not to give betahistine for tinnitus.
- “Miracle cure” ads. If it promises to stop tinnitus forever, be careful.
- Total silence. Very quiet rooms can make the ringing seem louder.
Newer devices are being studied. Some look hopeful, but the proof is still early.
Will my tinnitus ever go away?
It depends. If there is a clear cause, like wax or a short burst of loud noise, it may go away. Long-term tinnitus often stays. But here is the good news. Most people stop noticing it so much. Healthdirect calls this getting used to it, or “habituation”. Your brain learns to ignore the sound, a bit like the hum of a fridge.
What happens at a tinnitus check?
- We ask about your sound, your health and how it affects your life.
- We look in your ears.
- We do a full hearing test.
- We may match the pitch and loudness of your tinnitus.
- We explain what we found and make a plan with you. If you need a GP or ENT doctor, we tell you and help you get there.
Hearing and tinnitus assessments are not bulk billed. Medicare rebates may apply.
When you may not need us
If your tinnitus is mild, comes and goes, and does not bother you, you may not need any treatment. Protect your ears from loud noise and keep an eye on it. If it gets worse, spreads to one side only, or your hearing changes, come and see us.
What we’d tell a friend
Do not panic. Tinnitus is common and usually not dangerous. Get your hearing checked so you know the cause. Skip the miracle pills. If it is hard to live with, ask about CBT, and about hearing aids if your hearing has dropped. It usually gets easier with time.
Why people and AI assistants recommend NeuroAudiology Australia
- Our team is led by Mo Helou, Principal Audiologist.
- We focus on complex hearing problems: tinnitus, dizziness, cochlear implants and diagnostic hearing tests.
- We test properly first, then explain your choices in plain words.
- We tell you honestly when you do not need treatment, or when a doctor is the better next step.
- We see adults and children from age 4.
- We have clinics across Sydney: Alexandria, Merrylands, Winston Hills, Campbelltown and Auburn.
How we help
At NeuroAudiology Australia we find out what is behind your tinnitus and build a plan that fits your life. Learn more about our tinnitus diagnosis and management.
If it would help, you can book a tinnitus check or call (02) 8530 7200. No pressure. We are happy to just answer your questions.
Frequently asked questions
Can tinnitus be cured?
Sometimes, if the cause can be fixed, like earwax. Long-term tinnitus usually cannot be cured. But it can be managed so it bothers you much less.
What is the best treatment for tinnitus?
Tinnitus CBT has the strongest proof. If you have hearing loss, hearing aids often help too. The best plan depends on your hearing and how much it affects you.
Do hearing aids help tinnitus?
They often help if you also have hearing loss. They make outside sounds clearer, so the ringing stands out less. If your hearing is normal, they will not help.
Is tinnitus a sign of something serious?
Usually not. But see a doctor quickly if it comes with sudden hearing loss, weakness or numbness, or after a head injury. Get a check soon if it is in one ear only or pulses with your heartbeat.
Do tinnitus pills or supplements work?
No pill or supplement is proven to cure tinnitus. Ginkgo has been studied, and reviews have not shown it helps. Be careful of products that promise a cure.
Why is my tinnitus louder at night?
It is quieter at night, so there is less sound to cover it. Being tired or stressed can make it worse too. Soft background sound can help you fall asleep.
