Tinnitus is the perception of sound — ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking — without an external sound source. It affects approximately 15–20% of adults and is most commonly associated with noise-induced hearing loss, age-related hearing loss, and ear infections, though it can also result from medication side effects, anxiety, TMJ dysfunction, or cardiovascular conditions. For most people it is manageable; for a minority it causes significant distress and disability.

What complementary approaches help with tinnitus?

Sound therapy (using background noise to reduce the contrast with tinnitus) and tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) are the most evidenced approaches. Acupuncture has limited but positive evidence for distress and severity reduction. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy has good evidence for reducing the psychological impact of tinnitus even when the sound itself does not change. Addressing stress, anxiety, and sleep disruption — which amplify tinnitus perception — is an important component.

Does anxiety make tinnitus worse?

Yes — anxiety and tinnitus are bidirectionally related. Anxiety directs attention toward the tinnitus sound and increases the emotional distress it causes, while tinnitus increases anxiety. Breaking this cycle — through psychological approaches that change the relationship with the sound rather than attempting to eliminate it — is the most effective strategy for severe tinnitus.

When should tinnitus be medically investigated?

New-onset tinnitus, tinnitus in one ear only, pulsatile tinnitus (that beats in time with the heartbeat), or tinnitus accompanied by hearing loss, dizziness, or pain should all be medically assessed. One-sided pulsatile tinnitus in particular requires investigation to exclude vascular causes.

Neurologicallow Risk

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of sound — ringing, buzzing, or hissing — without an external source, affecting concentration, sleep, and emotional wellbeing. Sound therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, acupuncture, and addr

Find what may help →

Reviewed by Dr. Ava Gardner · Integrative Medicine Researcher26 March 2026Emerging evidence

Quick answer

Do any of these feel familiar?

Tinnitus is experienced as a persistent internal sound — most commonly described as ringing, hissing, buzzing, whistling, or clicking — that has no external source
It may be constant or intermittent, present in one or both ears
For some, it is a mild background noise easily ignored; for others, it is loud, intrusive, and profoundly distressing
Many people describe it becoming most prominent in quiet environments — particularly at night — making sleep very difficult
Anxiety and depression are frequent companions, as the experience of a sound that cannot be escaped can be overwhelming

Ready to find support for Tinnitus?

Connect with verified holistic and complementary practitioners who may help.

Browse Practitioners

Tinnitus

Do any of these feel familiar?

Ready to find support for Tinnitus?

Contraindications

What does your experience feel like?

Integrative Approaches

Ask Vidi about Tinnitus

Overview

Symptoms & Affected Systems

Contributing Factors

Supporting Lifestyle Strategies

Evidence Context

When to Seek Professional Help

Related Conditions

Migraine

Brain Fog

Tension Type Headache

Tinnitus

Frequently Asked Questions