The Sound Only You Can Hear Imagine a constant ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound that never goes away. For millions of Australians, this is their daily reality. Tinnitus is one of the most common hearing-related issues, yet it’s often misunderstood. If you live with tinnitus, you’re not alone — and while there’s no “switch it off” cure, there are proven ways to manage it and take back control.



What Exactly Is Tinnitus? Tinnitus isn’t a disease in itself. Instead, it’s a symptom — the brain’s way of reacting to changes or damage in the hearing system. People often describe it as:

• Ringing in the ears
• Buzzing or humming
• Whistling or hissing
• A roaring or rushing sound

The sound may be constant or come and go, soft or overwhelming. Why Does Tinnitus Happen? There are several common causes:

• Noise exposure: Concerts, machinery, firearms, or military service.
• Age-related hearing loss: Natural changes in the auditory system.
• Ear health issues: Blockages, infections, or inner ear conditions.
• Stress and fatigue: Which can make tinnitus feel more noticeable.

For veterans, tinnitus is one of the most reported service-related health conditions due to prolonged noise exposure. How Tinnitus Affects Daily Life It’s more than just an annoying sound. Tinnitus can:

• Disrupt sleep patterns
• Make it harder to focus at work or school
• Increase stress and anxiety
• Strain relationships with loved ones

Left unmanaged, it can impact mental wellbeing — but support is available. Managing Tinnitus While tinnitus can’t be “cured” in the traditional sense, many people find relief through:

• Hearing aids and sound therapy that help mask the noise.
• Lifestyle adjustments such as reducing caffeine and protecting hearing.
• Relaxation techniques like mindfulness and deep breathing.
• Professional support from audiologists and specialists.

You Don’t Have to Face It Alone At Tinnitus Relief Australia, we’ve seen how the right support transforms lives. Our team works with both veterans and the wider community to find personalised solutions. Take the first step today — book your free tinnitus self-check and explore how you can take back control of the ringing.

Service Comes With a Cost For those who’ve served in the Australian Defence Force, the memories of service often come with something less welcome: a constant ringing in the ears. Tinnitus is one of the most common health conditions among veterans — and one of the most frustrating.





Why Veterans Experience Tinnitus More Often Military life means exposure to noise levels far above safe limits. Over time, this damage adds up.

• Gunfire and explosions during training and operations.
• Aircraft, vehicles, and machinery producing sustained loud environments.
• Long periods without hearing protection in past service decades.

Even short bursts of extreme noise can cause permanent hearing damage — and tinnitus is often the result. The Link to Hearing Loss Many veterans also experience hearing loss alongside tinnitus. The two conditions often go hand-in-hand, making it difficult to hear conversations clearly, especially in noisy environments. DVA and Tinnitus Claims The Department of Veterans’ Affairs recognises tinnitus as a common service-related condition. In fact, it’s one of the most accepted claims. This means support is available — but the process can be overwhelming without guidance. Tinnitus Relief Australia helps veterans by:

• Providing professional tinnitus assessments.
• Preparing DVA-aligned reports for claims.
• Guiding veterans step-by-step through the process.

Real Stories of Resilience George, a veteran advocate, describes it best: “Years of heavy machinery and gunfire took their toll. The ringing is always there. But with the right support, I’ve learned how to manage it and help others do the same.” A Message to Veterans If you’ve served, you don’t need to “just live with it.” There is help, and there are solutions that can make life easier. If you’re a veteran experiencing ringing in your ears, reach out today. Our team will walk you through your options and help you access the support you’ve earned.

Finding Calm in the Noise When you live with tinnitus, it can feel like you’ll never escape the sound. But the truth is — while tinnitus may not go away completely, there are practical steps you can take every day to make it less noticeable and less stressful. Here are some strategies that people across Australia use to cope with tinnitus.



1. Improve Your Sleep Routine Tinnitus often feels louder at night when the world is quiet. To improve rest:

• Use white noise machines, fans, or apps to mask the ringing.
• Stick to a consistent bedtime.
• Limit screen time and caffeine before bed.

2. Reduce Stress Stress makes tinnitus worse. Try:

• Meditation or mindfulness apps.
• Deep breathing exercises.
• Gentle physical activity like walking or yoga.

3. Protect Your Hearing Avoiding further damage is crucial.

• Wear earplugs in loud settings.
• Turn down the volume on headphones.
• Give your ears breaks from constant noise.

4. Explore Professional Options

• Hearing aids with sound therapy: These can amplify external sounds and make tinnitus less noticeable.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): Proven to reduce the emotional impact of tinnitus.
• Specialist assessments: To rule out medical causes that may be treatable.

5. Make Small Lifestyle Changes

• Cut back on alcohol and caffeine.
• Stay hydrated.
• Keep active and engaged socially — distraction helps.

Take Control of Your Tinnitus The key is remembering that you’re not powerless. Tinnitus can be managed, and life can be enjoyable again. **If you’re ready to explore options tailored to you, book a tinnitus assessment with our specialists today.
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