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      What causes tinnitus?

      The exact cause of tinnitus isn't yet fully understood and research is ongoing. But we do know that it can be linked to different things, including hearing loss.

      Most cases of tinnitus are linked to hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear, such as through normal ageing or exposure to loud noise. This type of hearing loss is called sensorineural.

      Less commonly, tinnitus is linked to hearing loss caused by a blockage or ear condition that affects the outer or middle ear and stops sound waves from passing into the inner ear. This type of hearing loss is called conductive.

      Ear-related conditions that be linked to tinnitus include:

      Sometimes, but uncommonly, tinnitus can be linked to other medical conditions:

      • head or neck injuries
      • cardiovascular disorders (relating to the heart and blood vessels), especially high blood pressure
      • metabolic disorders including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and diabetes.
      • certain medications, called ototoxic drugs, that are used to treat serious illnesses such as cancer.

      However, for some people, tinnitus doesn't appear to be linked to anything in particular.

      If you have tinnitus, it's wise to see your GP so they can try to identify the cause.

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      What’s the link between tinnitus and hearing loss?

      Two-thirds of people who have tinnitus also have hearing loss, and so in many chases that might be what is causing tinnitus.


      When part of the ear or hearing nerve becomes damaged or doesn’t work properly, this reduces the number of electrical signals usually sent to the brain.

      Research has shown that the hearing part of the brain then 'fills in the gaps' of the sounds that are expected to come from the ear. This is one major cause of tinnitus. 

      What’s more, if you have hearing loss, you may be more aware of tinnitus. This is because you won’t hear as many environmental sounds that could otherwise help to mask it. In this case, using hearing aids or, in more severe cases, cochlear implants, may help with both hearing loss and tinnitus.

      But it’s important to remember that a third of people with tinnitus don't have hearing loss, and many people with hearing loss don’t have tinnitus.

      What's the link between stress and tinnitus?

      There's a known link between stress and tinnitus. Any source of stress can be a trigger for tinnitus, or make it worse. And some people, though not all, find that tinnitus makes them feel stressed and anxious. These feelings aren't always caused by tinnitus, but they can be made worse by it.

      A vicious circle can develop: stress makes tinnitus worse, which leads to greater stress and anxiety. That's why managing stress levels is an important part of managing tinnitus, and there are tinnitus therapies designed to help with this.

      More information 

      To find out more about tinnitus causes, see our factsheet Tinnitus – causes and therapies.