Introduction
Tinnitus is a common experience in childhood:
- The majority of children and young people that do experience tinnitus do not feel distressed or affected by it and no treatment is required.
- Tinnitus is more common in children and young people with hearing loss and with otitis media.
- There is very little evidence base on managing tinnitus in children and thus this is modelled on treatment of adults.
- Treatment is offered by the audiology department.
Children or young people with:
- physical red flags should be referred to both Audiology and ENT;
- those with mental health red flags referred to both Audiology and CAMHS.
Please offer the Tinnitus in Young People PILs on the resources and links page.
Who to refer:
- Children with tinnitus
- Children with hearing loss and tinnitus
Refer to Audiology and ENT:
Children with other problems, including red flags eg vertigo or ear infections.
Red flags requiring ENT referral include:
- Ear discharge
- Persistent ear pain or headache
- Dizziness/vertigo
- Unilateral or pulsatile tinnitus
- Head injury
- Abnormal findings on otoscopy
Refer to Audiology and CAMHS
Red flags supporting concurrent referral to child mental health services
- Depression and significant anxiety
- Reports of self-harm or suicidal thoughts
- Reluctance to attend school or socialize with peers
- Reluctance to engage in normal activities
- Significant family emotional issues, e.g. bereavement
Bilateral non pulsatile tinnitus with no ENT Red flags (e.g. without discharging ears, pain or facial nerve palsy) does not require referral. Direct the parents/carers to the British Tinnitus Society website:
If tinnitus significantly impacts on child’s life, please refer to audiology marked for tinnitus counselling.
