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Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a neurological phenomenon associated with the sense of hearing. When you have tinnitus, you perceive a sound even though there is no external sound source. The most common cause of tinnitus is damage to the sensory cells in the inner ear, resulting in an imbalance in the interaction between sound signals travelling up and down the auditory nerve. The sound can take different forms. It may be perceived as a tone or noise, and it can be pulsating and vary in intensity.

When you have tinnitus, you hear sounds that do not come from a sound source around you. For most people, it lasts a short time and has little impact, but some people are so troubled by it that it reduces their quality of life.

Read more athelsenorge.no

Needs-based follow-up

In this care pathway, we offer all or part of your treatment and follow-up using electronic questionnaires and digital tools. This means you do not have to travel to the hospital when it is not possible or necessary for the treatment you receive.

 

How we follow up with you
Ulike digitale tjenester for pasientene

Causes

Between 10 and 15 per cent of the population have tinnitus. Around 1 in 100 are severely affected. The following conditions are associated with tinnitus, often combined with hearing loss:

  • noise-induced hearing loss
  • hereditary hearing loss
  • age-related hearing loss
  • Ménière’s disease
  • head injury
  • acute/chronic middle ear infection
  • earwax
  • otosclerosis

Referral and assessment

To receive treatment from specialist health services, you need a referral. Your GP is usually the one who refers you. In some cases, other healthcare professionals can refer you, for example, for imaging examinations (MRI or CT).

Once we have received your referral, you will be informed whether you are entitled to assessment and treatment from specialist health services.

Read more at helsenorge.no  

Assessment

Øret illustrasjon

Assessment for tinnitus involves a medical examination and a hearing test, and in many cases one consultation is sufficient.

You do not need to take another hearing test if one has already been carried out by an ear, nose and throat specialist outside the hospital.

In exceptional cases, imaging of the head is also requested if the tinnitus and/or hearing loss is in one ear only, or if the tinnitus varies in time with your heartbeat.

Hearing test
MRI scan

Treatment

The first step in measures taken to address tinnitus is providing information about the condition and strategies for coping with it.

It is important to avoid silence. The difference between the volume of the tinnitus and the volume of background sound is reduced by increasing the sound in your surroundings. In most cases, this difference is what determines how loud the tinnitus seems to you. One exception is sound sensitivity. Excessive background noise can make the condition worse. In some situations, you can use earplugs, for example.

Both physical and psychological stress make tinnitus worse. It is important that you and your healthcare provider are aware of this as you move forward. Seeing your tinnitus as part of the bigger picture of your health may give you a greater sense of control.

If you feel that tinnitus is having a negative impact on your quality of life, you can receive advice and guidance. Poor sleep or difficulty concentrating are examples of this. In some cases, devices that produce soothing background sounds can be effective.

Follow-up

If no need for medical treatment is identified after your assessment by specialist health services, other public healthcare services may be suitable for you.

Check-up

If needed, you can make an appointment for a check-up with an audiologist or doctor. You will receive advice and guidance after trying tinnitus devices.

Last professionally updated 09.09.2026

Contact

  • Waiting time: 25–26 weeks

    Contact the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)

    Where to go

    See your appointment letter and our visitor addresses.

    En by omgitt av trær og en elv

    Sørlandet Hospital, Kristiansand

    Egsveien 100, Building 10

    Egsveien 100, Building 10, 4615 Kristiansand

    Getting here

    Transport

    You can reach our locations by public transport. Visit Agder Public Transport to find your route:akt.no

    You may be entitled to reimbursement of necessary expenses when travelling to and from your treatment centre.

    You should generally use public transport, and you will have to pay a co-payment. To be reimbursed for travel expenses you have paid, you must complete a travel expense claim form and send it toPatient travel.

    The hospital bus is a transport service for patients between the hospitals in Arendal and Kristiansand.

    There is also a return route between Vigeland, Mandal and Kristiansand.

    See timetable

     

    Waiting time

    25 weeks until assessment

    Choose a treatment centre (helsenorge.no)

    26 weeks until assessment

    Choose a treatment centre (helsenorge.no)

    Practical information

    At the hospital pharmacy in Kristiansand, you can fill prescriptions and buy pharmacy products.

    You will find us on the 1st floor of the main building, right by the entrance.
    Open weekdays from 08:30 to 16:30.

    Kristiansand Hospital Pharmacy

    Does your appointment not suit you? If you receive your appointment letter digitally via helsenorge.no, you can now send a message directly to the department you are visiting if you need to reschedule your appointment. You must be a registered user on Helsenorge to access the service.
    You can also contact the department where you have an appointment or call the switchboard on: 38 07 30 00
    ​

    Children and young people are affected when someone in the family is ill and need to understand what is happening. You may be a patient, a relative, or a parent of sick children who have siblings. We at the hospital will help ensure that the children and young people in your family are well cared for.

    Children as relatives


    Visiting hours may vary between departments and locations. Please check with the department where you have an appointment for more information.

    See an overview of the hospital departments

    General visiting hours:

    Arendal:
    17:00–19:00 on weekdays
    14:00–16:00 and 18:00–19:00 on weekends and public holidays

    Flekkefjord:
    14:00–15:00 and 18:00–19:00
    Maternity ward: 17:00–19:00 (siesta/no visitors: 14:00–16:00)

    Kristiansand:
    17:00–19:00 on weekdays
    14:00–16:00 and 18:00–19:00 on weekends and public holidays

    Maternity ward: 16:00–18:00 every day for the newborn’s healthy siblings.

    Most inpatient wards in Kristiansand have a small collection of books that patients and relatives can borrow. Contact your department for more information and assistance.

    Many people wish to bring flowers when visiting a patient in hospital, but due to allergies and the risk of infection, several of our departments are flower-free. If you wish to bring the patient a gift, we appreciate you choosing something other than flowers.

    Some patients are also allergic to perfume or perfumed creams. Please take this into consideration.

    Many patients and relatives want to take photos/videos or blog about their time in hospital. You are of course welcome to do so, as long as you respect the privacy of other patients and staff.

    Here are a few useful tips on using social media for patients and relatives:

    • Be considerate of others. You must have consent if you want to take photos or videos of patients or staff. All patients are entitled to privacy while in hospital.
    • Parents/guardians decide whether you may take photos of children or publish photos of their children online. Parents should consider what is best for the child. Once the child has turned 12, their opinion must be given considerable weight. Once the child has turned 15, they decide for themselves whether they are comfortable being photographed and whether the photos may be published.
    • Remember that staff must also give their permission if you want to publish photos you have taken of them.
    • You should remove content you have published if the person concerned asks you to. If others have posted pictures of you online without your permission, you can ask them to delete them. If they do not respond, you can contact: www.slettmeg.no.

    Audio recordings
    It is not illegal to record conversations you take part in for private use. However, publishing and sharing recordings requires the consent of the person you are speaking with. Secretly recording conversations you are not taking part in is illegal.

    Our hairdresser is located on the third floor of the hospital’s main building and is open to everyone. If needed, the hairdresser can come to the ward. The hairdresser also adjusts wigs. Opening hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 09:00 to 16:00.
    Book an appointment: 94 81 59 01 

    See alsowww.harspesialisten.noto book an appointment.

    Have you worked in healthcare or received healthcare outside the Nordic countries during the past year?

    This may include, for example, being admitted to hospital, extensive outpatient treatment or visiting a dentist. In that case, your GP must test you for bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics (for example, MRSA).

    Ask your GP to send you the test results before your appointment with us, and bring them with you when you come to the hospital.

    If you are having a day visit or being admitted, please bring the following to the hospital:

    • Bring indoor shoes, a change of clothes and toiletries
    • Bring your regular medication. It may take time to obtain equivalent medication from the pharmacy.
    • Bring a medication list/overview of your regular medication
    • Medical equipment for daily use

    Sometimes we need a room for rest and reflection. We have three such rooms available for you and your loved ones. The rooms are open to everyone, regardless of their outlook on life or faith.

    In Arendal, you will find the hospital’s quiet room/chapel on the basement floor of the main building. In Kristiansand, the room is on the first floor of the main building, north entrance. Both rooms are open 24 hours a day. In Flekkefjord, the chapel is by the car park, to the left of the main entrance.

    It is also possible to hold a memorial service in the chapel in the event of a death. Please contact the hospital chaplains to arrange this.

    Eg Church in Kristiansand is open every weekday from 08:00 to 18:00 for anyone who would like a room for quiet and reflection. Open from 10:00 to 18:00 on weekends.

    Kiosk
    You will find the kiosk in the lobby on the first floor.

    The kiosk sells items such as newspapers, magazines, fruit, chocolate, biscuits, ice cream, soft drinks, cards, flowers, some toiletries and various gifts.

    You can also buy buns, chicken wraps, bread rolls, salads, calzone, panini and hot dogs.

    Opening hours:
    Monday–Friday: 07:00–21:00
    Saturday and Sunday: 09:00–20:00

    ​Kiosk
    You will find the kiosk on the ground floor in the lobby of the main building at Eg.

    Opening hours:
    Monday–Friday: 08:00–20:00
    Saturday and Sunday: 09:30–20:00

    The kiosk sells items such as newspapers, magazines, fruit, chocolate, biscuits, ice cream, soft drinks, flowers, cards and various gifts.

    Cafeteria
    The “Kilden” cafeteria is located alongside the kiosk and has the same opening hours.

    The cafeteria serves items such as bread rolls, baguettes, salad, cakes, hamburgers and hot dogs.

    We encourage everyone to use their mobile phones considerately and to be considerate of fellow patients. It is important to put your phone on silent at night, and on silent or vibrate during the day. Out of consideration for other patients, it is a good idea to leave the room if you need to have a long conversation.

    Parking at Sørlandet Hospital is subject to a fee Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 20:00. Anyone wishing to park on hospital grounds must follow the signs and instructions on the payment machines.

    At the hospitals in Arendal and Kristiansand, you can pay for parking using EasyPark (mobile app) or by card at other locations. Check the signs for payment options and time limits.

    At the hospital in Kristiansand, you can register your parking via the EasyPark app, at the machine where you park, or on the Flowbird website.

    Register payment on the website

    Overview of parking spaces at Eg in Kristiansand
     

    At the hospital in Arendal, cameras read vehicle registration numbers when entering and leaving the car park through the Autopay service. Follow the signs and read the instructions.

    Pay at the payment machine

    If you have not created a profile onAutopay.io, you can pay at the machine by the main entrance. Enter your vehicle registration number. You can pay by card.

    Pay automatically

    Register as a customer with your vehicle registration number and bank card at www.autopay.io. Once registered, you will pay automatically every time you park in the car park.

    At certain times, for example when there is a lot of snow, it can be difficult to find a parking space. We therefore recommend that you allow plenty of time.

    For electric vehicles:

    Electric vehicles are charged from the first hour.

    Need to charge your car? Not all our hospital sites have charging stations, and those that do have a limited number. You therefore cannot rely on being able to charge your car while you are inside as a patient or visitor. You can see all charging stations here:

    All charging stations on one map - Norwegian EV Association​

    Blood donors can park for free at the hospital.
    For more information, contact the blood bank.


    Guardians of children (under 18) who have been in hospital for more than 14 dayscan park for free for the remainder of the child’s stay. This also applies if the child’s stay began at another hospital. Contact the hospital department for more information.

    A valid disabled parking permit allows free parking in designated spaces
    Contact the Service Desk to register your disabled parking permit. Vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit are exempt from time limits unless otherwise indicated on the signs.

    Parking for expectant mothers in Kristiansand
    Expectant mothers can park for free outside the Women’s Department at the hospital in Kristiansand. The maximum parking time is 2 hours.

    Smoking can cause discomfort to others. Thank you for being considerate and helping Sørlandet Hospital maintain a smoke-free environment.

    The Service Desk in Arendal is located right by the main entrance. You can contact us here with questions about your appointment at the hospital.

    Opening hours:
    Weekdays: 07:00–21:00.
    Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 09:00–20:00.

    The Service Desk in Kristiansand is located right by the main entrance. You can contact us here with questions about your appointment at the hospital.

    Opening hours:
    Weekdays: 07:30–21:00.
    Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 08:00–21:00.

    Need someone to talk to? Our hospital chaplains have extensive experience supporting people in a variety of life situations. They meet you on your terms, regardless of your faith, beliefs or outlook on life. The hospital chaplains are available around the clock, all week, for patients, relatives and staff.

    Would you like to get in touch? You can ask hospital staff for help or call the switchboard on 38 07 30 00.

    The hospital chaplains can also put you in touch with other faith and life-stance communities.

    If you need an interpreter, please notify the hospital well in advance of your appointment. The cost of the interpreter is covered by the health service.Helsenorge.no

    Patients not fluent in Norwegian are entitled to an interpreter.Helsenorge.no/interpreter

    All visitors can use the hospital’s free wireless internet.

    Look for HSO-Gjest on your network and follow the login instructions.

    If you cannot find the network, you are in an area that has not yet been covered.

  • Waiting time: 25–26 weeks

    Contact the Audiology Clinic
    En by omgitt av trær og en elv

    Sørlandet Hospital Kristiansand

    Egsveien 100, building 10

    Egsveien 100, building 10, 4615 Kristiansand

    Find your way

    Transport

    You can reach our locations by public transport. Visit Agder public transport to find your route:akt.no

    You may be entitled to reimbursement for necessary expenses when travelling to and from your treatment location.

    As a rule, you must use public transport, and you will have to pay a co-payment. To get reimbursed for travel expenses you have paid, you must complete a travel expense claim form and send it toPatient travel.

    Waiting time

    25 weeks for assessment

    Choose a treatment centre (helsenorge.no)

    26 weeks for assessment

    Choose a treatment centre (helsenorge.no)

    Practical information

    At the hospital pharmacy in Kristiansand, you can fill prescriptions and buy pharmacy products.

    You’ll find us on the first floor of the main building, near the entrance.
    Open weekdays from 08:30 to 16:30.

    Kristiansand Hospital Pharmacy

    Can’t make your appointment? If you receive your appointment letter digitally via helsenorge.no, you can now send a message directly to the department you’re due to visit if you need to reschedule. You must be a registered user on helsenorge to access this service.
    You can also contact the department where you have an appointment or call the switchboard on: 38 07 30 00
    ​

    Children and young people are affected when someone in the family is ill, and need to understand what is happening. You may be a patient yourself, a relative, or a parent of sick children with siblings. At the hospital, we will help ensure that children and young people in your family are well cared for.

    Children as relatives


    Visiting hours may vary between departments and locations. Please check with the department where you have an appointment for more information.

    See an overview of the hospital’s departments

    General visiting hours:

    Arendal:
    17:00–19:00 on weekdays
    14:00–16:00 and 18:00–19:00 on weekends and public holidays

    Flekkefjord:
    14:00–15:00 and 18:00–19:00
    Maternity ward: 17:00–19:00 (siesta/no visitors: 14:00–16:00)

    Kristiansand:
    17:00–19:00 on weekdays
    14:00–16:00 and 18:00–19:00 on weekends and public holidays

    Postnatal ward: 16:00–18:00 every day for the newborn’s healthy siblings.

    The patient library in Arendal is in the basement of the main building. It is self-service and open 24 hours a day. You can borrow books and read newspapers and magazines here.

    Many people like to bring flowers when visiting a patient in hospital, but due to allergies and the risk of infection, several of our departments are flower-free. If you would like to bring the patient a gift, we would appreciate it if you chose something other than flowers.

    Some patients are also allergic to perfume or perfumed creams. Please be considerate.

    Many patients and relatives want to take photos/videos or blog about their time in hospital. This is of course permitted, as long as you respect the privacy of other patients and staff.

    Here are a few helpful tips on using social media for patients and relatives:

    • Be considerate of others. You must have consent to take photos or videos of patients or staff. All patients are entitled to privacy while in hospital.
    • Parents/guardians decide whether you may take photos of children or publish photos of their children online. Parents should consider what is best for the child. When the child turns 12, their opinion must be given significant weight. When the child turns 15, they decide for themselves whether they are happy to be photographed and whether the photos may be published.
    • Remember that staff must also give their permission if you want to publish photos you have taken of them.
    • You should remove content you have published if the person concerned asks you to. If someone has posted photos of you online without permission, you can ask them to delete them. If they do not comply, you can contact: www.slettmeg.no.

    Audio recording
    It is not illegal to record conversations in which you participate for private use. However, publishing or sharing recordings requires the consent of the person you are speaking with. Secretly recording conversations in which you do not participate is illegal.

    Our hairdresser is located on the third floor of the hospital’s main building and is open to everyone. If needed, the hairdresser can come to the department. The hairdresser also fits wigs. Opening hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 09:00 to 16:00.
    To book an appointment: 94 81 59 01 

    See alsowww.harspesialisten.noto book an appointment.

    Have you worked in healthcare or received healthcare outside the Nordic countries during the past year?

    This may include a hospital stay, extensive outpatient treatment or a visit to the dentist. If so, your GP must test you for antibiotic-resistant bacteria (for example, MRSA).

    Ask your GP to send you the test result before your appointment with us and bring it with you when you come to the hospital.

    Sometimes we need a room for rest and reflection. We have three such rooms available for you and your relatives. The rooms are open to everyone, regardless of outlook on life or faith.

    In Arendal, the hospital’s quiet room/chapel is in the basement of the main building. In Kristiansand, the room is on the first floor of the main building, north entrance. Both rooms are open 24 hours a day. In Flekkefjord, the chapel is by the car park to the left of the main entrance.

    The chapel can also be used for a memorial service in the event of a death. Please contact the hospital chaplains to arrange this.

    Eg Church in Kristiansand is open every weekday from 08:00 to 18:00 for those who would like a quiet place for reflection. Open from 10:00 to 18:00 at weekends.

    Kiosk
    You’ll find the kiosk in the lobby on the first floor.

    The kiosk sells items such as newspapers, weekly magazines, fruit, chocolate, biscuits, ice cream, soft drinks, cards, flowers, some toiletries and various gifts.

    You can also buy buns, chicken wraps, rolls, salads, calzone, panini and hot dogs.

    Opening hours:
    Monday–Friday: 07:00–21:00
    Saturday and Sunday: 09:00–20:00

    ​Kiosk
    You’ll find the kiosk on the first floor in the main building lobby at Eg.

    Opening hours:
    Monday–Friday: 08:00–20:00
    Saturday and Sunday:​ 09:30–20:00

    The kiosk sells items such as newspapers, weekly magazines, fruit, chocolate, biscuits, ice cream, soft drinks, flowers, cards and various gifts.

    Cafeteria
    The “Kilden” cafeteria is located alongside the kiosk and has the same opening hours.

    The cafeteria serves items such as rolls, baguettes, salad, cakes, hamburgers and hot dogs.

    We encourage everyone to use their mobile phones considerately and to be mindful of their fellow patients. Please set your phone to silent at night, and to silent or vibrate during the day. To avoid disturbing other patients, it’s a good idea to leave the room if you need to have a long conversation.

    Parking at Sørlandet Hospital is subject to a fee Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 20:00. Anyone wishing to park on hospital grounds must follow the signs and instructions on the payment machines.

    At the hospitals in Arendal and Kristiansand, you can pay for parking using EasyPark (mobile app) or by card at other locations. Check the signs for payment options and time limits.

    At the hospital in Kristiansand, you can register your parking through the EasyPark app, at the machine where you park, or on the Flowbird website.

    Register payment on the website

    Map of parking areas at Eg in Kristiansand
     

    At the hospital in Arendal, cameras read vehicle registration numbers as vehicles enter and leave the parking garage through the Autopay service. Follow the signs and read the instructions.

    Pay at the payment machine

    If you haven’t created a profile onAutopay.io​, you can pay at the machine by the main entrance. Enter your vehicle’s registration number. You can pay by card.

    Pay automatically

    Register as a customer using your registration number and bank card at www.autopay.io. Once registered, you’ll be charged automatically each time you park in the garage.

    At certain times, for example when there is a lot of snow, it can be difficult to find a parking space. We therefore recommend that you allow plenty of time.

    For electric cars:

    Electric cars are subject to a parking fee from the first hour.

    Need to charge your car? Not all our hospital sites have charging stations, and those that do have a limited number. You therefore cannot count on being able to charge your car while you are inside as a patient or visitor. You can find all charging stations here:

    All charging stations on one map – Norwegian EV Association​

    Blood donors can park for free at the hospital.
    For more information, contact the blood bank.


    Parents/guardians of children (under 18) with a hospital stay of more than 14 dayscan park for free for the remainder of the child’s stay. This also applies if the child’s stay began at another hospital. Contact the hospital department for more information.

    A valid disabled parking permit entitles you to free parking in designated spaces.
    Contact the Service Desk to register your disabled parking permit. Vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit are exempt from time limits unless otherwise stated on the sign.

    Parking for expectant mothers in Kristiansand
    Expectant mothers can park for free outside the Women’s Department at the hospital in Kristiansand. The maximum parking time is two hours.

    Smoking can cause discomfort to others. Thank you for being considerate and helping Sørlandet Hospital remain a smoke-free environment.

    The Service Desk in Arendal is located right by the main entrance. You can ask questions here about your appointment at the hospital.

    Opening hours:
    Weekdays: 07:00–21:00.
    Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 09:00–20:00.

    The Service Desk in Kristiansand is located right by the main entrance. You can ask questions here about your appointment at the hospital.

    Opening hours:
    Weekdays: 07:30–21:00.
    Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 08:00–21:00.

    Need someone to talk to? Our hospital chaplains have extensive experience supporting people in a range of life situations. They meet you on your terms, regardless of your faith, beliefs or outlook on life. Hospital chaplains are available 24 hours a day, every day of the week, for patients, relatives and staff.

    Would you like to get in touch? Ask hospital staff for help, or call the switchboard on 38 07 30 00.

    The hospital chaplains can also put you in touch with other faith and life stance communities.

    If you need an interpreter, you must notify the hospital well in advance of your appointment. The health service covers the cost of the interpreter.Helsenorge.no

    Patients not fluent in Norwegian are entitled to an interpreter.Helsenorge.no/interpreter

    All visitors can use the hospital’s free wireless internet.

    Look for HSO-Gjest in your network list and follow the instructions to log in.

    If you cannot find the network, you are in an area where it has not yet been installed.

TEST VERSION
Machine-translated copy of sshf.no for testing only. Not official information.