Definition

      Tinnitus is the medical term for hearing sound in one or both ears or in the head when there is no external sound present. It is often referred to as "ringing in the ears," although some people hear hissing, roaring, whistling, chirping, or clicking. Tinnitus can be constant for some people and may come and go for others.  It is often referred to as a “phantom” sound.   

      Even though there is no correlation between tinnitus and hearing loss, many people with tinnitus have hearing loss. They often identify their tinnitus pitch in the pitch range of their hearing loss.   One study found that 93% of hearing impaired patients reported a buzzing, pulsing or whistling sound when placed in a quiet room. 

Statistics

      Tinnitus is very common.  In the U.S. alone more than 50 million report having tinnitus.  It is even more common in individuals over the age of 65, with 30% reporting hearing tinnitus.  For about 5% of the general population, prolonged tinnitus is moderately or significantly annoying, causing them to seek help.  One out of every one hundred adults reports tinnitus as a debilitating problem.

What Causes Tinnitus?

      Tinnitus itself is not a disease, but rather a symptom of something else.  The exact cause or causes of tinnitus are not known.  There are, however, several likely sources, all of which are known to trigger or worsen tinnitus.  Hearing loss, exposure to loud sounds, wax build-up in the ear canal, certain medications such as aspirin of some antibiotics, jaw problems and head/neck injuries are just a few.  In many cases however, no underlying physical cause can be identified.  Of these factors, exposure to loud noises and hearing loss are the most common causes of tinnitus. Treating a hearing loss, either by medical management, if indicated, or with hearing aids, may offer relief of tinnitus.