Tinnitus Assessment
& Management
Our audiologists specialise in evidence-based tinnitus assessment and management — including sound tolerance disorders such as hyperacusis and misophonia.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of a corresponding external sound. It often manifests as ringing or humming in one or both ears, but can also present as clicking, buzzing, banging, or other sounds.
Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease — meaning it is caused by something else rather than being a condition in itself. It is extremely common, affecting up to 20% of the general population, and up to 30% of people over the age of 55.
While tinnitus can be distressing, only very rarely does it have a serious underlying cause. Our audiologists will conduct a thorough assessment to understand your tinnitus and develop a personalised management plan.
Good to know: Tinnitus only very rarely has a sinister cause such as a brain tumour. In the vast majority of cases it is associated with hearing loss, noise exposure, or other manageable factors — and can be significantly improved with the right support.
What Can Cause Tinnitus?
Tinnitus has many possible causes. Understanding the underlying cause is an important part of developing an effective management plan.
Hearing Loss
The most common cause. When the brain receives less sound input, it can generate its own signals — perceived as tinnitus.
Noise Exposure
Prolonged or sudden loud noise can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, triggering or worsening tinnitus.
Ear Wax Blockage
A build-up of ear wax can cause pressure in the ear canal, which may trigger or worsen tinnitus symptoms.
Stress & Anxiety
High stress levels can trigger or significantly worsen tinnitus. Managing stress is an important part of tinnitus management.
Medications
Certain prescription and non-prescription drugs are known to cause or worsen tinnitus as a side effect.
Other Causes
Jaw disorders (TMJ), head injuries, cardiovascular conditions, and other medical factors can also contribute to tinnitus.
Sound Tolerance Disorders
Our audiologists also have experience with sound tolerance disorders — conditions where normal, everyday sounds cause discomfort, distress, or pain.
Hyperacusis
An increased sensitivity to everyday sounds that most people find comfortable. Sounds that others barely notice can be perceived as painfully loud or physically uncomfortable by someone with hyperacusis.
Misophonia
A strong emotional or physical reaction to specific sounds — particularly repetitive sounds such as chewing, tapping, or breathing. Misophonia can significantly impact daily life and relationships.
Tonic Tensor Tympani Syndrome
A condition involving involuntary contractions of the tensor tympani muscle in the ear, causing a range of symptoms including clicking, thumping, or fluttering sensations in the ear.
Note: In many cases, hyperacusis and tinnitus share similar underlying mechanisms. Sound tolerance disorders can be caused by hearing system or nerve dysfunction, balance system disorders, psychological factors, or certain medical conditions.
Evidence-Based Treatment Only
There are many devices, medications, and supplements marketed for tinnitus — but many have not been rigorously tested and some may make symptoms worse. At Canberra Audiology, we only support treatments backed by research.
Sound Enrichment
Using background sound to reduce the contrast between tinnitus and silence — making the tinnitus less intrusive and easier to habituate to over time.
Hearing Aids
For those with hearing loss, hearing aids are one of the most effective tinnitus management tools — by improving hearing, they reduce the brain's tendency to generate tinnitus signals.
Stress Management
Stress is one of the most significant aggravators of tinnitus. Learning to manage stress and anxiety can significantly reduce tinnitus impact and distress.
Counselling & Education
Understanding tinnitus is a powerful tool. Ear and hearing informational counselling, combined with cognitive strategies, helps patients habituate to and manage their tinnitus.
Referrals & Collaboration
Where appropriate, we refer to other health professionals — including dentists, psychologists, physiotherapists, and ENT specialists — to address contributing factors.
Personalised Management Plan
Every patient is different. We work with you to develop a tailored plan that addresses your specific tinnitus, lifestyle, and goals.
Our commitment: We do not recommend unproven treatments, as many lack clinical evidence and some may worsen symptoms. Our management approach focuses on habituation and improving sound tolerance using scientifically supported methods.
Your Appointment With Us
We take the time to thoroughly understand your tinnitus before making any recommendations. Here's what your appointment involves.
Before Your Appointment
- You will be asked to complete a number of questionnaires about your hearing, tinnitus, and any contributing factors
- These are not compulsory, but help your audiologist understand your situation in greater detail before the appointment begins
- If you have had a recent hearing test elsewhere, please bring the results with you
During Your Appointment
- Take an extensive hearing and tinnitus / sound tolerance disorder history
- Conduct a full hearing test if one has not already been done
- Give a detailed explanation of your hearing and how it relates to your tinnitus
- Discuss your questionnaire results and how they inform your management plan
- Explain the ear and hearing system in relation to your specific concern
- Develop a personalised plan of action — which may include referral to an ENT specialist or other health provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often about tinnitus.
Further Support & Resources
For a wealth of information and peer support, visit Tinnitus Australia — or ask your audiologist for other recommended options and resources during your appointment.
Book a Tinnitus Assessment
Clear diagnosis. Personalised care. Evidence-based support. Available at our Deakin and Downer clinics.