Tinnitus & Ear Noises

Tinnitus refers to ear noises such as ringing, hissing or buzzing that are perceived without an external sound source. In the video consultation, doctors assess your symptoms, distinguish between acute and chronic courses and discuss the next steps with you. Based on the doctor's assessment, a private prescription may be issued or a specialist work-up recommended.

Medically reviewed by Adi Zoabi, Approbation als Arzt.
Last reviewed on August 31, 2026. Updated as clinical guidelines change.

Overview

Tinnitus is the perception of ear noises without an external sound source – often described as whistling, hissing, humming or ringing. The sounds can occur on one or both sides, persist continuously or come in phases. Many people experience temporary ear noises, for example after a loud concert; these usually subside on their own. If the noises persist, medicine distinguishes between acute tinnitus (up to about three months) and chronic tinnitus (beyond that). This classification matters because it determines the next steps: in acute tinnitus, the focus is on promptly clarifying possible causes; in chronic tinnitus, primarily on managing the burden. In most cases ear noises are not dangerous, but they can significantly affect sleep, concentration and quality of life. In the video consultation, a structured initial medical assessment takes place: duration, character and accompanying symptoms are recorded, risk factors are discussed, and the next steps are agreed together – from self-help measures to a recommendation to see an ENT specialist.

Common causes

Ear noises have many possible triggers. Common ones include noise exposure (concerts, construction sites, headphones), an earwax plug, middle ear infections or impaired ventilation of the Eustachian tube during colds. Sudden hearing loss can also be accompanied by abruptly starting tinnitus and should be assessed promptly. Age-related hearing loss, temporomandibular joint dysfunction and tension in the neck and jaw muscles also play a role. Stress, psychological strain and lack of sleep usually do not cause tinnitus on their own, but they clearly intensify its perception and the burden it creates – many affected people report that the noises seem louder in quiet evening hours and under tension. Less commonly, high blood pressure, certain medications or inner ear disorders are the underlying cause. A pulse-synchronous, rhythmic ear noise can indicate a vascular cause and should be examined separately. In the consultation, these factors are systematically reviewed to narrow down the likely cause.

When to see a doctor

A medical assessment makes sense if ear noises persist for more than a few days, keep returning or affect your daily life. You should seek medical help promptly – ideally within 24 to 48 hours – in the case of sudden hearing impairment or hearing loss (suspected sudden sensorineural hearing loss), newly occurring one-sided tinnitus, a pulse-synchronous ear noise, or ear noises after an acoustic trauma or head injury. An examination is also advisable if you have accompanying dizziness, ear pain, fever or discharge from the ear. Call emergency services (112 in Germany) immediately if warning signs such as paralysis, numbness, speech or vision problems, severe spinning vertigo with vomiting, or a sudden, extremely severe headache occur together with the ear noises – these can indicate an emergency such as a stroke. For all other cases, the video consultation offers a fast initial assessment; based on the doctor's evaluation, you will receive a clear recommendation for the next steps.

Symptoms & Indications

Whistling, beeping or ringing in the ear Hissing, humming or buzzing sounds Ear noises on one or both sides Feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear Accompanying hearing loss Difficulty falling or staying asleep because of the ear noises Trouble concentrating and inner tension Increased sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis)

Treatment Options

Initial medical consultation to classify the tinnitus as acute or chronic
Review of triggers such as noise exposure, stress and lack of sleep
Advice on stress reduction and relaxation techniques
Guidance on sleep hygiene and coping with ear noises in everyday life
Based on the doctor's assessment, possible medication, for example glucocorticoids in acute cases
Recommendation for a hearing test, ear microscopy and further in-person ENT diagnostics
For chronic tinnitus, information on established approaches such as counselling and tinnitus retraining

Important Notes

An ear examination and hearing test are not possible in a video consultation. Telemedicine therefore cannot fully replace a physical ENT examination.
Sudden hearing loss, especially on one side and with newly occurring tinnitus, should be medically assessed promptly, ideally within 24 to 48 hours.
If ear noises occur together with paralysis, speech or vision problems, severe spinning vertigo with vomiting, or a sudden, extremely severe headache, call emergency services (112 in Germany) immediately.
There is no guaranteed cure for tinnitus; the aim of treatment is to clarify possible causes and reduce the burden.

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Medical notice: Not a substitute for an in-person medical examination. The information on this page is intended for general guidance only. In an emergency, please call 112.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the video consultation for tinnitus cost and who covers the costs?

Billing is done as a private medical service according to the German fee schedule for physicians (GOÄ). Privately insured patients can usually submit the invoice to their private health insurer; reimbursement depends on the individual tariff. Self-paying patients receive a transparent GOÄ invoice, and the costs are shown before treatment.

Can tinnitus actually be assessed in a video consultation?

An initial medical assessment works well by video: the duration, character and accompanying symptoms of the ear noises can be explored in conversation. However, examinations such as ear microscopy or a hearing test require an in-person appointment. Based on the doctor's assessment, you will receive a recommendation on whether and how urgently you should see an ENT specialist.

What is the difference between acute and chronic tinnitus?

Tinnitus is considered acute if it has been present for less than three months; here the focus is on promptly clarifying possible causes. From a duration of about three months onwards, it is called chronic tinnitus. Treatment then focuses primarily on reducing the burden, for example through counselling, stress management and better sleep.

Are stress and lack of sleep really linked to ear noises?

Yes, stress and insufficient sleep can intensify ear noises and increase the perceived burden. Conversely, ear noises often disturb falling asleep, which can create a vicious circle. In the consultation, this connection is specifically discussed and concrete measures for relief are worked out.

Will I get a prescription for tinnitus in the video consultation?

A prescription is not issued automatically. Based on the doctor's assessment, a private prescription may be issued if medication appears appropriate, for example in certain acute cases. For chronic tinnitus, the focus is not on medication but on counselling and non-drug approaches.