Comprehensive care and personalised solutions for managing tinnitus, the perception of ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears.
Tinnitus Diagnosis & Management
Ringing, Buzzing, or Other Sounds
Tinnitus is a condition characterised by the perception of sound in the absence of an external auditory source. It is a common problem, affecting approximately 15-20% of the population. Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, including noise exposure, age-related hearing loss, and certain medical conditions. It can be a debilitating condition that significantly impacts a patient’s quality of life.
- NeuroAudiology offers diagnostic tinnitus assessments.
- We can demonstrate how tinnitus sounds in free field to your family and loved ones, helping them understand your daily experience.
- Provide an exact measure of your tinnitus for better understanding.
- Develop a tailored management plan to effectively address your tinnitus.
What Our Patients Say
Tinnitus Diagnostic Methods
Understanding and diagnosing tinnitus requires a combination of advanced tests and personalised evaluations to identify the root cause and create an effective treatment plan.
Comprehensive Medical History
Assessing symptoms, medical conditions, and exposure to loud noises or ototoxic medications.
Otoscopy
Examining the ear canal and eardrum to identify obstructions, infections, or other abnormalities.
Pure-Tone Audiometry (Hearing Test)
Measuring hearing sensitivity to determine if hearing loss is associated with tinnitus.
Tympanometry
Evaluating middle ear function and detecting potential blockages or abnormalities in ear pressure.
Tinnitus Matching Test
Identifying the frequency and intensity of the tinnitus sound to understand its characteristics.
Speech Audiometry
Testing speech recognition and comprehension to assess auditory processing.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)
Checking inner ear function by measuring sound emissions from the cochlea.
Vestibular Testing (if dizziness accompanies tinnitus)
Assessing balance-related issues to rule out vestibular disorders.
Imaging (MRI or CT Scan)
Identifying structural issues, such as tumors or vascular abnormalities, that may cause tinnitus.
Psychological Assessment
Evaluating stress, anxiety, or depression levels associated with tinnitus to develop a holistic management plan.
Understanding Tinnitus & Its Impact
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ears that have no external source. It can significantly impact daily life and emotional well-being. Here are some key aspects of tinnitus:
- Causes of Tinnitus: Common causes include prolonged noise exposure, hearing loss, ear infections, and certain medications.
- Effects on Daily Life: Tinnitus can affect concentration, sleep quality, and overall mental health, often leading to increased stress and anxiety.
- Management Strategies: Treatment options such as sound therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and hearing aids can help reduce its impact.
FAQs About Tinnitus
Discover answers to common questions about tinnitus, its causes, diagnosis, and the available treatment options to help manage this condition effectively.
What does tinnitus feel like?
Tinnitus is often described as hearing ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sounds that are not caused by an external source. These sounds can vary in pitch, intensity, and duration.
What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus can result from various factors, including prolonged exposure to loud noises, earwax buildup, ear infections, hearing loss, or certain medications. It may also be linked to conditions like stress or circulatory problems.
Can tinnitus be cured?
While there is no definitive cure for tinnitus, many treatment options can help manage the condition. These include sound therapy, tinnitus retraining therapy, hearing aids, and lifestyle adjustments.
How do professionals diagnose tinnitus?
Audiologists use a combination of hearing tests, physical ear examinations, and assessments like tinnitus-matching tests or imaging (MRI/CT) to pinpoint the severity and potential causes of tinnitus.
What treatments are available for tinnitus?
Treatments for tinnitus include sound therapy, hearing aids, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and lifestyle changes such as stress management and reducing caffeine or alcohol intake. The best approach depends on the underlying cause and individual needs.
Frequently asked questions
Can tinnitus be cured?
Most long-term tinnitus cannot be switched off completely, and anyone who promises a cure should be treated with caution. The good news is that it can usually be made much less noticeable and less distressing with the right plan, such as sound therapy, hearing aids with tinnitus features and counselling.
Who should I see for tinnitus?
Start with an audiologist for a full hearing and tinnitus assessment. If there are signs of a medical cause, such as tinnitus in one ear only, pulsing tinnitus, sudden hearing loss or dizziness, we refer you to your GP or an ENT specialist.
Do hearing aids help tinnitus?
Often, yes. Many people with tinnitus also have some hearing loss, and hearing aids reduce the contrast between the tinnitus and the outside world. Many hearing aids also have built-in tinnitus sound therapy.
When is tinnitus urgent?
See a doctor or audiologist urgently if tinnitus comes with sudden hearing loss in one ear, if it pulses with your heartbeat, or if it comes with dizziness, weakness or headache.
Where can I get a tinnitus assessment in Sydney?
NeuroAudiology Australia assesses and manages tinnitus at five Sydney clinics: Alexandria, Merrylands, Winston Hills, Campbelltown and Auburn.
Answers reviewed by Mo Helou, Principal Audiologist, October 2026.
Get In Touch
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, need more information, or are ready to schedule a consultation, our team is here to help.
Please complete the form to schedule an appointment or submit an enquiry.
Our Clinics
We proudly offer services across multiple convenient locations to ensure accessible and professional ear care for everyone.
Operating Hours:
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Monday – Friday: 9am – 5:00pm
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Saturday: 9am – 4pm
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Sunday: Closed
