Tinnitus Help in the UK: Coping, NHS Care and Talking Therapy
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In short: Tinnitus is hearing noises that do not come from an outside source, such as ringing or buzzing. The NHS says it is not usually serious and may get better by itself, but see a GP if it is regular, getting worse, or affecting sleep, concentration, anxiety or mood. Treatments can include CBT and tinnitus counselling. Search Therapist Circle for register-checked practitioners who can support anxiety, sleep and mood alongside audiology care.
Please read. This is general information from us, not medical, clinical or professional advice. We’re a directory: we don’t provide therapy, we don’t recommend or guarantee any practitioner, and we’re not a crisis service. If you need urgent help, please use the crisis box at the bottom of this page. Services and rules change, so check the official websites linked here.
When to Get Help
Call 999 or go to A&E if tinnitus starts after a head injury, or with sudden hearing loss, facial muscle weakness, or a spinning sensation (vertigo). Do not drive yourself. Ask for an urgent GP appointment if tinnitus beats in time with your pulse. See a GP if tinnitus is regular or constant, getting worse, or bothering you (sleep, concentration, anxiety or depression). Source: NHS: tinnitus.
If you need help now. If your life or someone else's is at risk, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent mental health help in England, use NHS 111 online or call 111 and choose the mental health option. Samaritans are free, any time, on 116 123, or text SHOUT to 85258. Therapist Circle is not a crisis service. NHS: where to get urgent help for mental health.
What Tinnitus Is
The NHS says tinnitus can sound like ringing, buzzing, whooshing, humming, hissing, throbbing, or music or singing, in one or both ears or in the head, coming and going or all the time. It is often linked to some form of hearing loss, Ménière's disease, conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders or multiple sclerosis, anxiety or depression, or as a side effect of some medicines. Source: NHS: tinnitus (read 9 November 2026).
Things You Can Try
The NHS suggests relaxing (for example deep breathing or yoga), improving sleep, avoiding things that can make tinnitus worse such as stress or loud noise, and joining a support group. It advises against total silence (soft music or sound therapy may help) and against focusing on the tinnitus. Source: NHS: tinnitus. Tinnitus UK has self-help information and a free helpline on 0800 018 0527.
NHS Treatments and Talking Therapy
A GP may check your ears for infection or wax and for hearing loss, and may refer you to a specialist. If the cause is unknown or cannot be treated, you may be referred for talking therapy such as:
- cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to change how you think about tinnitus and reduce anxiety
- tinnitus counselling to learn about tinnitus and coping
- tinnitus retraining therapy using sound therapy (may be available on the NHS for severe or persistent tinnitus; also available privately)
The NHS says you will usually be offered digital CBT first. Hearing aids may be recommended if you have hearing loss. Source: NHS: tinnitus.
Talking therapy on Therapist Circle can support anxiety, sleep and low mood that often travel with tinnitus, but we are not an audiology service:
Related: anxiety, health anxiety, sleep, stress, workplace stress.
Whoever you choose, check their register and ask about fees, session length and how you will review progress together. See questions to ask before you book and how much therapy costs. On Therapist Circle, each practitioner's registration is checked when they join, and their profile shows the register and number so you can check it yourself.
Common Questions
Is tinnitus dangerous?
The NHS says it is not usually a sign of anything serious and may get better by itself, but you should see a GP if it is regular, worsening or bothering you, and get urgent help for the red-flag symptoms listed above.
Can CBT help tinnitus?
Yes. The NHS lists CBT among treatments that can change how you think about tinnitus and reduce anxiety. Digital CBT is often offered first.
Where can I get support?
Tinnitus UK (helpline 0800 018 0527), your GP, audiology services, NHS Talking Therapies, and register-checked therapists on Therapist Circle for anxiety, sleep and mood.
Should I sit in silence?
The NHS advises against total silence and suggests soft music or sounds (sound therapy) may distract from tinnitus.
Can stress make tinnitus worse?
The NHS lists stress among things that can make tinnitus worse, and anxiety or depression among linked factors. Managing stress and getting talking therapy support can help some people cope.
Last updated 9 November 2026. Facts are drawn from the official websites linked on this page, read on 9 November 2026. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the NHS, the HCPC or any professional body.
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