Hearing loss
Tinnitus
Tinnitus and Ringing in the Ears in Nottingham
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing a sound that is not coming from an external source. It may be ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing, whooshing, roaring or musical sounds, and can affect one ear, both ears or feel as though it is inside the head.
What patients notice
Common symptoms and signs
Symptoms can overlap between different ear conditions. The safest first step is a careful clinical assessment so treatment is based on what is actually seen and heard during your appointment.
- Ringing, buzzing or humming sounds
- Whooshing or pulsating sounds
- Tinnitus with hearing difficulty
- Tinnitus after noise exposure
- One-sided or persistent tinnitus
Possible causes
What could be causing this?
The cause can vary from person to person. Your clinician will consider your symptoms, medical history and ear examination findings before advising on the most appropriate next step.
Wax build-up or ear canal problems
Noise exposure
Ear infection or inflammation
Medication, stress or other medical factors
How we can help
Doctor-led assessment at Nottingham Ear Clinic
Nottingham Ear Clinic can assess the ears medically and identify treatable causes such as wax or infection. Where appropriate, patients can be referred for audiology-led tinnitus management and hearing assessment.
Safety guidance
When to seek urgent medical advice
Most ear symptoms can be assessed in a routine appointment, but some symptoms should not wait.
- Sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear
- Severe or rapidly worsening pain
- Facial weakness, severe headache or neurological symptoms
- Marked dizziness, collapse or severe balance disturbance
- Swelling, redness or tenderness spreading around the ear
- High temperature, feeling very unwell, diabetes or reduced immune function
If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening or concerning, please contact your GP, NHS 111, an urgent treatment centre or 999 in an emergency.
Frequently asked questions
Helpful answers about tinnitus and when to book an appointment.
Can tinnitus affect one ear only?
Yes. Tinnitus can affect one ear, both ears or feel as though it is coming from inside the head. One-sided tinnitus, pulsatile tinnitus or tinnitus with sudden hearing change may require further medical investigation.
Can wax cause tinnitus?
Wax can sometimes contribute to tinnitus or make existing tinnitus more noticeable. The ear should be examined before assuming wax is the cause.
Can you arrange an MRI IAMS scan if required?
Where clinically appropriate, Nottingham Ear Clinic can help patients access fast MRI internal auditory meatus imaging, with images reviewed by a consultant radiologist and the report reviewed by our doctors.
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