Smartphone-based sound therapy looks promising
Researchers reported a sound-therapy approach that may reduce perceived tinnitus loudness using everyday smartphones and headphones.
Read source ›
Tinnitus
Tone
Generator
Find the closest pitch to the sound you're hearing. A quiet, low-volume tool to help you describe your tinnitus accurately.
What does tinnitus sound like?
Common descriptions
Some people hear a high ring, others a buzz, hum or pulse. Tap any card below to hear a short approximation. Lower your volume first.
Rough approximations only — your tinnitus may differ. Use the full tool below to fine-tune.
Tone matching tool
Find your frequency
Current frequency
1.00 kHz
C6
1 Hz20 Hz100 Hz1 kHz10 kHz20 kHz
Hz
Waveform
Play to
15%
Safe default is 15%. Lower is better when matching tinnitus.
Quick presets
Common reference points to start from
Space = play/pause · ← → = fine tune · Shift+← → = 1 Hz steps
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the medical term for hearing sounds that do not come from an external source. People describe it as ringing, buzzing, whistling, hissing, humming or even a pulsing sound. It can be constant or come and go, and may affect one ear or both.
Tinnitus is not a disease itself — it is a symptom of something else going on in your ear, auditory system, or body. For most people it is manageable, and understanding the cause is the first step to finding relief.
Common descriptions
Tinnitus does not sound the same for everyone
Some people describe a high ring. Others notice a buzz, hiss, hum, pulse or whoosh. The exact word matters less than describing the pattern clearly.
Gentle background sounds
Sound therapy examples
Some people use gentle background sound to make tinnitus less noticeable in quiet rooms. Keep it softer than the tinnitus itself.
15%
—
Timer:
Keep volume comfortable and below your tinnitus level. These are examples, not a medical treatment.
Worth knowing
Can ear wax make tinnitus worse?
How wax affects your hearing
When ear wax builds up and becomes impacted, it can press against the eardrum or block the ear canal. This changes how sound reaches your inner ear and can make any existing tinnitus more noticeable — simply because the background noise of the world is muffled, leaving your brain to focus on the internal sound.
What the research says
Studies show that ear wax removal (microsuction or irrigation) can significantly reduce tinnitus symptoms in people whose tinnitus is linked to wax build-up. It is not a guaranteed cure — tinnitus has many causes — but it is one of the simplest, safest things to try before exploring other treatments.
Worth checking first
A nurse can look inside your ear in under a minute and tell you whether wax is likely to be contributing. If it is, removal is quick and often provides immediate relief. If your ears are clear, you have ruled out a common cause and can move on to the next step with your GP.
Medical guidance
When to see a professional
See your GP promptly if:
- Tinnitus appears suddenly in one ear only
- It is accompanied by hearing loss or dizziness
- You hear a pulsing sound in time with your heartbeat
- It follows a head injury
Book an ear check if:
- You have not had your ears checked in over a year
- You know you are prone to wax build-up
- Your tinnitus seems louder when your ears feel blocked
- You use cotton buds or earplugs regularly
What we can do
We are not a tinnitus clinic, but our nurse can carry out a thorough ear health check and remove wax using microsuction or irrigation where suitable. If your tinnitus is linked to wax, you may notice a difference immediately. If not, we will signpost you to the right professional — your GP, an audiologist, or an ENT specialist.
Research watch
Tinnitus research, explained clearly
There is no guaranteed cure for most tinnitus yet, but research is active. Here is a clearer look at what sounds promising and what patients can realistically take from it today.
Sound plus gentle nerve stimulation is a major research area
Bimodal neuromodulation, combining sound with mild stimulation of nerves in the tongue or neck, is one of the most active areas in tinnitus research.
Read source ›Simple causes still matter: wax, infection, hearing loss
Before chasing advanced treatments, patients should rule out treatable causes. Ear wax is a common trigger that can be resolved in a single appointment.
Read source ›
Editorial promise:
We will not claim a cure exists unless it is supported by strong clinical evidence and available through regulated medical channels.
Questions answered
Tinnitus Questions
No. It helps you describe what you hear — it does not replace a clinical assessment. If concerned, speak to your GP or audiologist.
Yes — impacted wax is one of the most common and treatable causes. Professional removal often brings immediate relief.
No. Start very low. Loud tones can worsen symptoms. The goal is gentle comparison, not masking.
If tinnitus is new, one-sided, pulsing with your heartbeat, or linked with sudden hearing loss, vertigo or pain — get checked promptly.
Could ear wax be making your tinnitus worse?
A quick ear health check with our qualified nurse can rule out treatable causes. Safe, gentle care across Cleveleys, Blackpool and the Fylde Coast.