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Tinnitus Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, March 2009.

Answers to questions about tinnitus

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

Can tinnitus affect my sleep?

Everyone experiences tinnitus in different ways. Tinnitus does keep some people awake, but there are things you can try to help yourself get a good night sleep.

Explanation

About half of people with tinnitus have some difficulty sleeping. If you feel stressed or anxious about tinnitus, you're more likely to suffer from insomnia.

If tinnitus is keeping you awake, there are a number of ways that you can help improve your sleep. The following suggestions work by generating noise to distract you from the tinnitus.

  • Relaxation CDs. Listening to tranquil music before you go to bed can help you drift off to sleep.
  • Pillow speakers. These are speakers designed to go under your pillow. You connect them to your music player and listen to your favourite music as you go to sleep.
  • Bedside noise generators. These make a range of soothing sounds to help you relax and distract you from the tinnitus.
  • Desktop fans. Place one on your bedside table and the whirring noise from the fan may help to distract you.
  • Radio. Listening to a quiet radio can help you fall asleep.

It's important you get a good night sleep so that you're ready to face the day and manage your tinnitus. As well as trying the methods above, more general tips will help. You should only go to bed when you feel sleepy. Try to reduce your caffeine intake, especially before bedtime. Relaxation exercises can also be very beneficial. You could try yoga or pilates, and perform a few stretching exercises before you go to bed.

Further information

  • The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID)
    0808 808 01231
    www.rnid.org.uk

Sources

  • Tinnitus and sleep (factsheet). The Royal National Institute for Deaf People. www.rnid.org.uk, accessed 13 June 2008
  • Why do some people have tinnitus? The Royal National Institute for Deaf People. www.rnid.org.uk, accessed 13 June 2008
  • Tinnitus. Deafness Research UK. www.deafnessresearch.org.uk, accessed 13 June 2008
  • Roland NJ, McRae RDR, and McCombe AW, Key Topics in Otolaryngology, Oxford: Bios Scientific Publishers, 1995
  • Equipment, Sound Therapy and Tinnitus (factsheet). The Royal National Institute for Deaf People. www.rnid.org.uk, accessed 13 June 2008
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Can children have tinnitus?

Yes, it's quite common for children to be affected by tinnitus.

Explanation

People of all ages can be troubled by tinnitus, even very young children. Children are less likely to say they have tinnitus because they may not notice a problem or understand what it could be.

If you think your child has tinnitus, you should contact your child's GP. If necessary, he or she will refer your child to a specialist doctor. This will usually be an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist or an audiovestibular physician (a doctor who specialises in hearing and balance problems). He or she will perform a number of tests and offer treatment if a specific problem is found.

Therapy and support is available for your child if he or she is diagnosed with tinnitus. Therapy can:

  • reassure your child that he or she isn't the only person with tinnitus
  • help your child develop a better understanding of tinnitus
  • teach your child a range of techniques to help manage tinnitus
  • give your child hope that people can learn to live with tinnitus

It's important that you talk to your child to get an idea of how he or she is coping and their feelings towards tinnitus. Always be supportive and reassure your child that he or she is not alone.

Further information

Sources

  • Tinnitus and children (factsheet). The Royal National Institute for Deaf People. www.rnid.org.uk, accessed 13 June 2008
  • Tinnitus in Childhood. British Tinnitus Association. www.tinnitus.org.uk, accessed 16 June 2008
  • What is audiovestibular medicine? British Association of Audiovestibular Physicians. www.baap.org.uk, accessed 15 July 2008
  • Tinnitus. Deafness Research UK. www.deafnessresearch.org.uk, accessed 13 June 2008
  • Therapies to help you with your tinnitus (factsheet). The Royal National Institute for Deaf People. www.rnid.org.uk, accessed 18 June 2008
  • All about Tinnitus. British Tinnitus Association. www.tinnitus.org.uk, accessed 16 June 2008
  • Help for the Helpers. Eileen Hewitson. www.tinnitusbham.org.uk, accessed 16 June 2008
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My partner has tinnitus, what can I do to help?

There are a number of things you can do to help if someone you know has tinnitus.

Explanation

If your partner has tinnitus, the most important thing you can do to help is to urge them to see his or her GP, so he or she can get help managing it.

You can also help your partner emotionally. Everyone with tinnitus is affected differently. Some find tinnitus easy to manage, while others find it very distressing. It's important to talk to your partner to get an idea of how he or she is coping with the symptoms so you can understand what he or she is going through.

Your partner may experience a range of different emotions in response to tinnitus. If you understand these feelings you can provide support. Some common examples are listed below.

  • Anger. It's common for people to feel irritated with tinnitus or to feel angry about developing it.
  • Anxiety. People with tinnitus may feel anxious about their state of mind, or worry that it is caused by another illness.
  • Frustration. The constant sound of high-pitched whistling, buzzing, ringing or hissing can be very frustrating.
  • Stress. If people worry about tinnitus, they are more likely to become stressed. Tinnitus is almost always made worse by stress.

Your partner may have difficulty sleeping because of their tinnitus. This can cause problems for you if he or she is restless and keeps you awake at night. Some techniques used to aid sleep, such as listening to a radio or leaving the TV on, may also keep you awake.

It's important you discuss your feelings with your partner and find a way to resolve any problems practically. For example, using a pillow speaker means that only your partner will hear the noise. Your partner may also find it tricky to relax because he or she feels frustrated and stressed about their tinnitus. Try to encourage your partner to unwind before bed. This can make getting to sleep easier and help him or her to better manage their tinnitus.

Further information

Sources

  • Living with someone who has Tinnitus (factsheet). The Royal National Institute for Deaf People. www.rnid.org.uk, accessed 16 June 2008
  • Tinnitus. Deafness Research UK. www.deafnessresearch.org.uk, accessed 13 June 2008
  • All about Tinnitus. British Tinnitus Association. www.tinnitus.org.uk, accessed 16 June 2008
  • Tinnitus and relaxation (factsheet). The Royal National Institute for Deaf People. www.rnid.org.uk, accessed 18 June 2008
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr S S Surenthiran, FRCP, FRCS, MSc, DIC, Consultant Neuro-otologist, Balance Centre, Medway Maritime Hospital, Kent, and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: March 2009

 

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