The best tinnitus care and remedies for ear ringing relief

Are your ears still ringing from that Victoria line tube journey? Do you lie awake at night, unable to drift off thanks to an annoying humming sound?

If you have a recurring ringing or hissing sound in your ears, you could have tinnitus. And if you’ve Googled ‘loud ringing in my ears’ or you’ve stumbled across this article to find relief, you almost certainly have tinnitus.

Whether it’s a sharp ringing in one ear or noise in both ears, the condition is serious, and can deeply affect one’s quality of life. It can cause headaches, loss of sleep and even dizziness and vertigo in some cases. For some, this noise might be temporary, but it’s important to take preventative steps to stop it getting worse.

While, sadly, there is currently no confirmed cure for tinnitus, some products can help reduce the ringing sound and prevent the condition from worsening.

What is tinnitus?

Senior Clinical Audiologist, Nadia Abbott explains: “Hearing tinnitus is the term that we use to refer to when a patient hears a sound in their ears, that’s coming from inside their body rather than outside.

These sounds are often described as whistling, hissing, buzzing, and roaring noises, among others, and they can either be constant, or intermittent. Some individuals will experience the sound in both ears, or just one ear, and it could alternate ears. Others may describe the sounds as not being in their ears but more like an awareness in their head.”

What are the causes of tinnitus?

There is no exact cause for tinnitus, but common links to the issue come from noise exposure, general issues with the ear, nerve compression, and ageing, to name a few.

How do I know if I have tinnitus?

If you experience a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or any kind of strange noise in one or both ears when there is no external trigger, you could have tinnitus.

To be sure, visit your GP or an audiologist for an assessment. There are also online hearing tests you can take to assess the sharpness of your hearing.

Whether you’re looking for a smart gadget or a simple natural remedy, we’ve rounded up the best products, gadgets, and remedies for tinnitus below.

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ACS Pro17 Custom Earplugs

If you’re a keen concertgoer or work in noisy places, using a reliable sound barrier to stop ear damage is essential. Long-term exposure to high decibels is one of the most common causes of tinnitus.

These earplugs are an investment, but for your money, expect high quality kit to protect your ears.

The process begins with a visit to an audiologist, who will take impressions of your ears by inserting a cold putty into your ear canal. This then gets used as a mould for your bespoke earplugs. Since they’re moulded to the shape of your ear canal, they’ll sit perfectly snug inside, blocking out sound.

ACS is a brand that is tried and trusted by all your favourite musicians, and the plugs are lightweight and come in fun colours.

Expect 3-4 weeks for delivery.

Buy now £149.00, ACS Custom

Loop earplugs Quiet 2

These are a popular choice for those looking for ear protection on a budget. With nine products in the range, Loop’s Quiet 2 are said to be best for “deep focus, travel, commutes, and napping”.

They’re ideal for clubs, loud transport, and travel, as they’re ultra-light and easy to carry around (they come in a small disc travel case). They also come in four stylish colours.

Loop’s distinct style means the earplugs sit comfortably in the ear with the signature loop shape on display from the side; from a distance, they look like they’re part of a curated ear.. While they won’t offer full sound protection, they’re a great choice for day-to-day protection if you live in a noisy city or attend loud events.

Buy now £19.95, Amazon

Hearing amplification device Beurer HA20

It’s very important to know that hearing amplifiers are not the same as hearing aids. The former are not intended to be used by those with hearing loss and can be bought without a prescription.

With this in mind, they are a great option if you need a helping hand with your hearing or if you’re on a budget.

Good quality hearing aids range from £700-£2000, so this little device is an affordable option for your ears. The design isn’t too offensive, but if you’re looking to invest in more discreet options, the price point will significantly go up.

Buy now £22.99, Beurer

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4

Music fans should invest in a good pair of over-ear headphones. Not only can these block out the sound on busy train journeys, but they also ensure your ears are protected as they don’t irritate the ear canal or push any wax further in.

The adaptive noise cancelling technology in Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 will help to fine-tune your thoughts and quieten the space around you if you struggle with acute tinnitus.

The headphones offer customisable sounds, allowing users to adjust the EQ to their ears. What I mean by this is, if you’re triggered by higher pitch sounds, you can adjust the tremble and top notes to ensure they don’t peak in your ears.

Buy now £199.00, Amazon

Snoozeband Max

Reducing tinnitus noise can be achieved by calming the senses. If you’re struggling to shut out the noise at night, this multi-use headband can help you get to sleep faster.

The Snoozeband wraps around the head, fastening with a Velcro seal, securing the band in place at night. It also offers a full blackout experience for the eyes as it comes with adjustable eye covers which fully mask the area. The band also comes with a built-in speaker for the ears.

Connect via Bluetooth and play your favourite sleep or meditation tracks. You needn’t worry about waking your partner either, as the sound remains contained if played at a low volume. Far from your average eye mask.

Buy now £119.00, Snoozeband

NeilMed SuavEar Earwax Removal Aid - Carbamide Peroxide 6.5%

It may sound obvious, but preventing ear wax build-up is essential for your ear health. With so many of us using in-ear headphones, wax can be pushed into the canal, which limits hearing.

This earwax removal aid helps to keep your ear canals as clear as possible by using a gentle irrigation method. They don’t directly stop any ringing, but they can certainly help you hear better if you do have any buildup.

All you have to do is apply 5 to 10 drops into the ear whilst tilting your head to the side so gravity can do its thing. Then insert the earplugs before irrigating the ear with lukewarm water.

Buy now £10.99, Boots

Holland & Barrett Castor Oil

Natural oils are a great remedy for softening hard wax, and castor oil is a favourite thanks to its thicker viscosity. The oil can be thinned with other oils like almond or olive oil if needed, and it doubles up as a moisturiser for the skin. This Holland and Barret caster oil is a fraction of the price of other brands available, and works just as well.

Buy now £6.74, Holland & Barrett