Tinnitus in Australia: The Condition Affecting 1 in 3 Adults

Tinnitus is often referred to as “ringing in the ears,” but many people hear hisses, hums or buzzing with no external source. It can be constant or occasional, soft or loud, noticed in one or both ears, or even in the head. Crucially, tinnitus can affect people of any age or background.

How common is tinnitus?

According to Soundfair, around one in three Australians have experienced tinnitus at some point, about one in six live with it constantly, and around 2% (about 500,000 people) find their tinnitus very distressing. These figures show tinnitus is widespread and impactful, not a fringe issue.

What tinnitus is (and isn’t)

Tinnitus itself is not a disease – it’s a symptom. While changes in the ear often trigger it (for example, earwax build-up, an ear infection, or hearing loss), tinnitus is generated by the brain. When the auditory pathway becomes ‘turned up,’ the brain highlights internal sounds, which we then perceive as tinnitus. For some people, the impact of tinnitus can be greater than that of the underlying condition.

Common triggers and contributors

Tinnitus can follow noise exposure, ear injury, neck or jaw (TMJ) issues, or circulatory conditions. It may also fluctuate with health changes or temporary ear problems such as wax or middle-ear infections. Because triggers vary from person to person, a professional review helps pinpoint what matters most in your case and guides a practical plan.

Why tinnitus can feel so troubling

Sometimes the brain treats tinnitus like an important ‘threat,’ pulling it into the emotional control centres and kicking off a fight-or-flight response. That can drive a cycle of heightened attention, poor sleep and increasing distress. For a small but significant proportion of people, tinnitus is highly distressing – but it’s vital to know that help is available and tinnitus does not inevitably worsen.

Stress and tinnitus: a two-way street

Tinnitus often fluctuates with stress. Physical stress (e.g., neck pain from long hours at a computer) and emotional stress (e.g., life changes) can raise awareness of tinnitus; in turn, noticing tinnitus more can increase stress. Recognising signs like poor sleep, irritability, reduced concentration or negative thoughts, then acting early – seeking support, easing stressors where possible, maintaining healthy routines and talking with an audiologist or GP, can reduce tinnitus’ day-to-day impact.

Tinnitus in children

Children can experience tinnitus too, even as young as three years old, and will often describe it using familiar sounds (“buzzy bees,” “choo-choo”). If a child is worried by tinnitus, it may affect sleep, concentration at school, or willingness to join activities. Reassure them and arrange assessment with your doctor and an audiologist who understands paediatric tinnitus; education, sound enrichment, and emotional support can help children habituate and regain confidence.

Food, drink, medicines and tinnitus

People sometimes notice links between tinnitus fluctuations and diet, caffeine, alcohol or tobacco – but responses are individual. If you’re exploring a connection, do so cautiously (e.g., short, guided trials) and keep a healthy, balanced routine. Some medications can be associated with tinnitus, typically at unusually high doses or in rare cases. An audiologist or GP can help review risks and alternatives appropriate to you.

Jaw/neck factors and sound sensitivities

Some people with TMJ (jaw-joint) problems or neck issues notice changes in tinnitus loudness with jaw or head movements. Treating the underlying musculoskeletal problem may help. Separately, some children experience sound sensitivities (hyperacusis/misophonia); avoiding all sound isn’t the answer – careful, supported exposure and professional guidance are recommended.

What effective care looks like

Start with your GP and an audiologist. A thorough hearing check and discussion of your tinnitus lay the groundwork for a plan that fits you. Depending on what’s identified, your care might include:

ENT review to rule out medical causes
Hearing aids when hearing loss is present (these can also support sound therapy)
Input from a physiotherapist (neck-related changes) or dentist (jaw/TMJ) if relevant
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) with a psychologist or audiologist to reduce distress and improve coping
Education and sound-enrichment strategies for sleep and concentration

The goal is not to chase a single “cure,” but to reduce the impact of tinnitus and help you regain control.

Knox Audiology: Tinnitus care

At Knox Audiology, we take a whole-person, evidence-informed approach grounded in what Australians report and need:

Comprehensive hearing and tinnitus assessments
Clear explanations of your triggers and practical next steps
Guidance on sound enrichment, lifestyle adjustments and technology
Coordination with your GP, ENT, dentist or physiotherapist when helpful
CBT-based strategies and ongoing follow-up so improvements last

Take the first step

Persistent ringing, buzzing or hissing is common and manageable. We work closely with all patients to investigate it together and build a plan that reduces its impact on your sleep, focus and wellbeing.

Call 03 9800 5697 or contact us Knox Audiology online to book your appointment.