Approximately 1 in 7 adults in the UK live with chronic or long-term tinnitus. While it’s usually mild enough not to cause problems, severe tinnitus–which may affect around 1 in 100 people–can significantly impact a person’s life.
Watching a loved one cope with tinnitus can be difficult. Fortunately, understanding the condition and learning how you can help can make a real difference. In this tinnitus guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about how to support someone with tinnitus, from helpful product suggestions to tinnitus support resources.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of ‘phantom sounds’ in the ears or head when no external noise source is present. These sounds are usually described as ringing, humming, buzzing, roaring, whooshing, hissing or clicking. They may be constant or intermittent and can vary in volume and intensity.
Some people experience temporary tinnitus that resolves on its own. For others, it can become a persistent, long-term condition that causes distress and problems in daily life.
Common causes of tinnitus include exposure to loud noise, ear infections, head injuries, certain medications, and underlying conditions such as blood vessel diseases. However, there is not always a clear cause. It often occurs alongside sensorineural hearing loss (hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear).
How to recognise signs of tinnitus
Tinnitus is usually subjective, meaning it can only be heard by the person experiencing it. For this reason, it may not always be obvious to others – but there are some signs to look out for.
Your loved one may:
- Complain about sounds coming from inside their ears or head, or sounds that no one else can hear
- Seem more sensitive to noises that are usually tolerable (hyperacusis)
- Find it difficult to concentrate on day-to-day activities
- Seem fatigued or complain about problems sleeping
- Be more irritable, stressed, anxious, or depressed than usual
If their tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss, you may also notice them frequently asking for things to be repeated, having difficulty following conversations or turning the TV up louder than usual.
What to do if someone you know has tinnitus
If you suspect someone you know may have tinnitus, encourage them to visit their GP to seek a diagnosis. It may be that their tinnitus can be treated if it’s the result of an underlying condition, such as an ear infection.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for primary tinnitus (tinnitus that has no clear cause). However, there are many effective ways to manage the condition and reduce its impact on daily life. The doctor may refer your loved one to an ENT (Ear, nose and throat) specialist or audiologist for further assessment and can recommend appropriate treatments. These might include sound therapy, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) or hearing aids if hearing loss is also present.
It's important to be supportive during this process, as getting a diagnosis and finding the right treatments can take time. Offering to accompany your loved one to appointments can make a real difference to their confidence and well-being.
How to support someone with tinnitus
Supporting someone with tinnitus requires patience and understanding. When you’re with them, try to adjust the level of background noise to their liking – some people may prefer a quiet environment, while others find that certain sounds can help mask their tinnitus. Also, help your loved one identify and avoid their tinnitus triggers, if possible. Common triggers include alcohol, caffeine, stress, dehydration, or certain sounds.
You may also find certain tinnitus support products and aids useful in helping your loved one manage their symptoms.
Recommended products
Hearing aids
If your loved one’s tinnitus is associated with hearing loss, hearing aids may help. By amplifying external sounds, hearing aids can help reduce the intensity of tinnitus symptoms, making it easier for the person to focus on the sounds they want to hear. At Complete Care Shop, we offer a range of hearing aids to suit different needs and preferences, from basic models to advanced rechargeable options and discreet in-ear designs.
Sound generators
Sound generators, like the Nature Sound Pyramid, are portable devices that create soothing background sounds like white noise, gentle music, babbling brooks or ocean waves. They can help by providing a distraction, making tinnitus less noticeable – many people find that their tinnitus is more intense or bothersome in quiet environments.
Sleep and comfort aids
People living with tinnitus can often experience problems sleeping, so it’s important to create an environment as conducive to sleep as possible. This may mean investing in a quality mattress and mattress topper, supportive pillows, or positioning aids to help your loved one feel relaxed and comfortable, so they find it easier to fall and stay asleep.
Ear protection
While ear protection won’t cure existing tinnitus, it can help prevent it from getting worse. Exposure to loud noises, such as live music events or heavy machinery, can make both tinnitus and hearing loss more severe over time. Encourage your loved one to wear earplugs or ear defenders in loud environments.
Useful charities and resources
If you need extra advice on how to support someone with tinnitus, Tinnitus UK offer plenty of great resources on their website, including helpful articles and details of local support groups. They also have a free tinnitus support helpline, available via telephone or online chat, for those living with or caring for someone with the condition.
Caring for someone with tinnitus
Caring for a person with tinnitus may feel daunting at first, especially if they have trouble articulating the problem or you’re not sure how best to provide support. It’s important to understand as much as you can about tinnitus, its triggers and treatment options, and remain patient and supportive as you help your loved one to manage their condition.
For more information and advice, see our guide on living well with tinnitus.
How can Complete Care Shop help?
At Complete Care Shop, we are dedicated to making every aspect of day-to-day life easier for you and your loved one. We offer an enormous range of living aids for anyone who needs extra support day-to-day, from bedroom aids to hearing and sensory aids.
If you need help choosing the best products for you or someone you care for, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can also visit our daily living blog for more information and advice about helping a loved one.
