This factsheet is part of RNID’s tinnitus range. It is written for people who have tinnitus, their families, friends and the professionals who work with them.

Tinnitus is a medical term to describe noise(s) that people can hear in one ear, both ears or in the head – such as ringing, buzzing or whistling. The sounds heard can vary from person to person, but the common link is that they do not have an external source.

If you would like this factsheet on audio tape, in Braille or in large print, please contact our Information Line.

Read this factsheet to find out about:

At the end of this factsheet, we give you details of organisations you can contact for further information.

Medical disclaimer

The information given in this factsheet is not medical advice and by providing it neither RNID nor our tinnitus and medical advisors undertake any responsibility for your medical care, nor accept you as a patient. Before acting on any of the information contained in this factsheet, or deciding on a course of treatment, you should discuss the matter with your GP (family doctor) or other medical professional who is treating you.

How does tinnitus affect children?

People of all ages can experience tinnitus, including children. A child with tinnitus may think that tinnitus is normal and may not realise that many people experience it. Most children habituate to tinnitus – ‘habituation’ is the process of learning to ignore and get used to tinnitus – so they are not distressed by it and are largely unaware of it. It seems that childhood tinnitus rarely continues into adulthood.

My child has tinnitus – what can I do?

First, contact your child’s GP. They will be able to check your child’s ears. If necessary, they will arrange for your child to be referred to a hospital’s ear, nose and throat (ENT) unit or audiology department for tests. These departments may have services for children that are called ‘paediatric audiology’, ‘children’s hearing services’, or ‘community audiology’.

If your child has a specific problem with their ears, such as glue ear, then their GP or the hospital may be able to offer them appropriate treatment. However, most people who are diagnosed with tinnitus find that there is no specific underlying problem.

What kind of treatment might my child be offered?

There is no specific medicine or operation to ‘cure’ tinnitus. However, a doctor, hearing therapist or audiologist may show your child different ways to manage their tinnitus. This will help your child find out more about, and understand, the condition.

How can I reassure my child?

Your child may feel that they’re the only person to have tinnitus. If so, they will be reassured to know that it affects many people and is very common.

Explaining your child’s tinnitus to them

Your child may find that their tinnitus is easier to manage once it is explained to them in terms and images they can understand.

Explaining to your child that they may feel less distressed by their tinnitus in the future

Many children find it helpful to have their tinnitus explained carefully to them, and to know about ways to manage it. This is partly due to the fact that children’s brains are more able to change their response to all kinds of stimulation (this is called ‘plasticity’). If it is carefully managed, childhood tinnitus may not be a serious problem.

Can sound therapy help manage the condition in children?

Yes. Sound therapy has been used to treat adults with tinnitus for some time – and it can also be used to treat children. Sound therapy aims to make tinnitus less noticeable. If this happens on a regular basis, the process of habituation can begin. Sound can be:

Not all people need, or indeed benefit from, sound therapy – but some do. See our factsheet Equipment, sound therapy and tinnitus for more information about sound generators.

Can hearing aids help?

Yes. If your child has tinnitus and a significant hearing loss, they may find that a hearing aid can help improve the tinnitus. The hearing aid does this by picking up sounds your child may not normally hear, which in turn helps their brain filter out their tinnitus. It may also help them take the strain out of listening. Straining to hear can make your child’s brain focus on the tinnitus noises.

Can background noise help?

Yes. Your child may find that they notice their tinnitus more in very quiet surroundings. Putting a radio on quietly or having a fan on nearby can help your child concentrate less on their tinnitus. It’s a good idea to choose fairly quiet sounds that your child enjoys.

What if my child cannot sleep?

Research has shown that children with troublesome tinnitus quite often have sleep difficulties. Using background sound carefully by your child’s bedside and trying sleep management techniques under the direction of a tinnitus therapist may help your child. Our factsheet Tinnitus and sleep can give you more information.

Helping your child relax

If your child finds their tinnitus gets worse when they are under stress – for example, if they are taking exams, they may find stress relieving techniques helpful. Read our factsheet Tinnitus and relaxation for more information.

Where can I buy products that may help?

RNID Products sells a range of equipment for people with hearing loss and tinnitus. Visit the RNID Shop at www.rnid.org.uk/tinnitusproducts (external link) to buy items of equipment online. Alternatively, you can request a copy of the Solutions catalogue by contacting RNID Products directly or by contacting RNID Tinnitus Helpline.

RNID Products, 1 Haddonbrook Business Centre, Orton Southgate, Peterborough PE2 6YX
Telephone: 01733 361199
Textphone: 01733 238020
Fax: 0870 789 8822
Email: solutions@rnid.org.uk
RNID Shop website (external link, opens new browser window)

Where can I get further information?

British Tinnitus Association (BTA)

The BTA campaigns for better services for people with tinnitus. It supports a network of local tinnitus groups around the country, has a range of publications and produces a quarterly magazine, Quiet.

British Tinnitus Association (BTA), Ground Floor, Unit 5, Acorn Business Park, Woodseats Close, Sheffield S8 0TB
Telephone: 0800 018 0527
Textphone: 0114 258 5694
Fax: 0114 258 2279
Email: info@tinnitus.org.uk
BTA website (external link, opens new browser window)

National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS)

NDCS supports all deaf children, young deaf people and their families in overcoming the challenges of childhood deafness. NDCS services include support and information on audiology, publications, communication, education, financial support and technology. A network of regional staff offers support near you. There are also special events for families.

NDCS, 15 Dufferin Street, London EC1Y 8UR
Freephone helpline: 0808 800 8880
Textphone: 0808 800 8880
Fax: 020 7251 5020
Email: helpline@ndcs.org.uk
NDCS website (external link, opens new browser window)

Contact a local group

If you feel you need more help with tinnitus directly from other people who also have it, you could contact a local tinnitus support group. They are set up and run by people with the condition or by professionals who work with tinnitus patients. The type of support and help they are able to offer varies between groups. Contact RNID Tinnitus Helpline for details of your nearest group.

Further information from RNID Tinnitus Helpline

RNID Tinnitus Helpline offers information and advice to people with tinnitus, their families and friends, and the professionals who work with them. You can contact us for further copies of this factsheet and the full range of our products for people with tinnitus. We also sell a book, "Understanding tinnitus – managing the noises in your ears or in your head", and a range of relaxation CDs and cassettes.

RNID Tinnitus Helpline

19-23 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8SL
Telephone: 0808 808 6666
Textphone: 0808 808 0007
Fax: 020 7296 8199
SMS: 0780 0000 360 (supported by Lloyds TSB)
Email: tinnitushelpline@rnid.org.uk  
Tune out tinnitus website (external link, opens new browser window)
Available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Acknowledgement

We thank the BTA for giving us permission to use their information in producing this factsheet.