It is often described as a ‘ringing’ but several sounds can be heard including a humming, grinding, hissing or whistling.
Tinnitus is the term for hearing sounds that come from inside your body, rather than from an outside source. Sufferers find the condition has a significant impact – affecting concentration and can affect sleep.
Dr Chris joined This Morning hosts Ruth and Eamonn to discuss the issue of tinnitus and how people can ease the symptoms.
“As you have heard the sounds can be anything from thunder to all sorts of things going on,” said Dr Chris.
“Loud sounds or music can cause ringing the next day. Repeated exposure to loud sounds can damage the hearing.
He said it is common for people to lose their hearing as they get older.
“I’ve just heard this morning of someone who got tinnitus after army training.”
Dr Chris said there are devices available to help people suffering with the condition, which can give people a constant noise which isn’t irritating.
The doctor recommended said the The Oticon Tinnitus Sound app presents a selection of sounds to decrease the annoyance of tinnitus, to provide temporary relief, the Sounds Oasis which features 12 natural sounds, to help sooth and relieve the symptoms of tinnitus at night and deep relaxation CDs which are intended to be followed over a matter of days or weeks.
“If you do have tinnitus you go and see your GP,” he advised.
“They will probably refer you to your ear, nose and throat department. There are apps you can get which are free.
“I had one patient who swore by a water feature in her office.”
Dr Chris said noise played from the apps can relax people and also cancel out the noise caused by tinnitus.
Ruth questioned what other techniques can help people ease symptoms.
Dr Chris added: “You can get CDs to help you relax.”
He also showed viewers a pillow case which can attach to a speaker so sufferers can listen to the music through her pillow.
Ruth said she wanted to confirm to viewers that the noises are not in the imagination.
Eamon said: “I occasionally get the ring and think I hope it goes away.”
NHS Choices said tinnitus is rarely a sign of a serious underlying condition.
According to The British Tinnitus Association, six million people in the UK are affected by the condition.
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