Tinnitus is a common hearing concern, often described as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or humming in the ears when there is no external sound present. For some people, tinnitus is mild and occasional. For others, it can be persistent and affect concentration, sleep, and overall wellbeing.
Many people are unsure when tinnitus is something to monitor and when it’s time to seek professional support. Knowing when to see a doctor about tinnitus or a tinnitus audiologist can help you feel more confident about the next steps.
Below is a clear overview of when you should consider booking an appointment, what to expect when you visit a tinnitus treatment clinic, and how tinnitus can be assessed and managed in Australia.
Understanding Tinnitus
Tinnitus itself is not a condition, but a symptom. It can be associated with hearing loss, noise exposure, earwax build-up, ear infections, certain medications, or changes in the auditory system.
Tinnitus may:
- Be constant or intermittent
- Affect one ear or both ears
- Vary in pitch or loudness
- Become more noticeable in quiet environments
If tinnitus is new, worsening, or interfering with daily life, seeking professional advice is recommended.
Signs It’s Time to See an Audiologist About Tinnitus
You may benefit from seeing a tinnitus audiologist if you notice any of the following:
- Tinnitus lasting longer than a few days
- Ringing or buzzing that is getting louder or more frequent
- Tinnitus that affects sleep, focus, or mood
- Difficulty hearing conversations alongside tinnitus
- Tinnitus after noise exposure, illness, or ear discomfort
An audiologist is often the first point of contact for tinnitus assessment, as tinnitus is commonly linked to hearing changes.
When to See a Doctor About Tinnitus
In some cases, tinnitus should also be discussed with a GP or referred to an ENT specialist. This may be recommended if tinnitus is accompanied by:
- Sudden hearing loss
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Ear pain, discharge, or pressure
- Pulsing or rhythmic sounds in time with your heartbeat
Your audiologist can guide you on whether a medical referral is appropriate based on your assessment results.
What Happens During a Tinnitus Appointment?
Visiting a tinnitus treatment clinic is designed to be informative, supportive, and tailored to your experience.
1. Case History and Tinnitus Discussion
Your appointment begins with a detailed conversation about:
- When your tinnitus started
- How often you notice it
- How it affects your daily life
- Noise exposure history
- Medical history and medications
This helps your clinician understand possible contributing factors.
2. Otoscopy – Ear Health Check
An otoscopy is performed to check for:
- Earwax build-up
- Inflammation or infection
- Ear canal or eardrum concerns
Sometimes tinnitus can be linked to simple, treatable ear health issues.
3. Comprehensive Hearing Assessment
A hearing test is an important part of tinnitus assessment. This may include:
- Pure-tone audiometry
- Speech testing
- Middle ear testing
Many people with tinnitus also have some degree of hearing change, even if it’s subtle.
4. Explaining Your Results
Your audiologist will explain:
- Your hearing test results
- Whether hearing changes may be linked to your tinnitus
- What your results mean for everyday listening
Clear explanations help you understand what’s happening and what options are available.
Treatment for Tinnitus: What Are the Options?
There is no single cure for tinnitus, but treatment for tinnitus focuses on management and reducing its impact.
Depending on your needs, management options may include:
- Education and reassurance
- Sound therapy strategies
- Hearing aids (if hearing loss is present)
- Communication and listening strategies
- Referral for further medical review if needed
Evidence suggests that appropriate management can help many people feel more in control of their tinnitus over time.
Follow-Up and Ongoing Support
Tinnitus management often involves follow-up care. Your clinician may recommend:
- Review appointments
- Adjustments to management strategies
- Ongoing monitoring of hearing
Support is usually tailored to your lifestyle, work, and listening environments.
Your First Step Toward Managing Tinnitus
Living with tinnitus can feel frustrating or concerning, especially when you’re unsure what it means or whether it will improve. Seeing a qualified audiologist can provide clarity, reassurance, and practical guidance.
If you’re experiencing tinnitus and wondering whether it’s time to seek help, a professional assessment is a positive first step. At Audience Hearing, our team supports people experiencing tinnitus with clear explanations, evidence-based care, and personalised management options.
Book a consultation to know how to manage early signs of Tinnitus.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should I see an audiologist about tinnitus?
You should consider seeing an audiologist if tinnitus lasts more than a few days, becomes bothersome, or affects your hearing, sleep, or concentration.
2. Do I need to see a doctor about tinnitus first?
Not usually. Many people start by seeing an audiologist. A GP or ENT referral may be recommended if medical concerns are identified.
3. What does a tinnitus audiologist do?
A tinnitus audiologist assesses your hearing, discusses your tinnitus experience, explains possible causes, and provides management strategies tailored to you.
4. Is there effective treatment for tinnitus?
There is no single cure, but tinnitus treatment focuses on management. Many people find that appropriate strategies reduce how much tinnitus affects daily life.
5. Will a hearing test help with tinnitus?
Yes. Hearing assessments are an important part of understanding tinnitus, as hearing changes are commonly associated with it.
6. Can hearing aids help tinnitus?
If hearing loss is present, hearing aids may help by improving access to sound and reducing awareness of tinnitus for some people.
7. How long does a tinnitus appointment take?
Initial tinnitus appointments usually take around 45–60 minutes, allowing time for assessment, discussion, and explanation of results.
8. What happens after my tinnitus appointment?
Your audiologist will outline a follow-up plan, which may include ongoing support, reviews, or referral if further investigation is required.
