Tinnitus
Tinnitus is hearing a sound, such as ringing, buzzing, humming or hissing, that does not come from an outside source. Read more about tinnitus →
If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Where are you up to?
The NHS reports waiting times by specialty, not by individual condition, so this is the ent wait (not specific to tinnitus), updated August 2026. Enter a postcode to see the hospitals near you.
ent waiting times by hospital
| Trust | Location | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust | Reading | 4 weeks |
| Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust | Cheshire West and Chester | 7 weeks |
| United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust | Lincoln | 7 weeks |
| Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust | Wiltshire | 8 weeks |
| South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Middlesbrough | 9 weeks |
| Stockport NHS Foundation Trust | Stockport | 9 weeks |
| Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust | Barnsley | 10 weeks |
| Isle of Wight NHS Trust | Isle of Wight | 10 weeks |
About tinnitus
Tinnitus is hearing a sound, such as ringing, buzzing, humming or hissing, that does not come from an outside source. It is very common and is often linked to hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, ear problems or stress. For most people it is not a sign of anything serious, though it can be distressing and can affect sleep and concentration.
How it is treated
There is often no single cure, so the focus is on finding any treatable cause and making the tinnitus easier to live with. A hearing test is usual, and hearing aids can help when there is hearing loss. Sound therapy, relaxation techniques and talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy can reduce how intrusive it feels. Where an underlying cause is found, such as earwax or an ear infection, treating it may help.
After treatment
Many people find the tinnitus becomes less noticeable over time as they get used to it, especially with the right support and good sleep. It can come and go, and protecting your ears from loud noise helps; if it changes or becomes harder to cope with, it is worth going back to your team.
Sources: NHS: Tinnitus. Last updated October 2026.
General information only, not medical advice. Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. Your GP decides what care, if any, you need.