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What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is sound you hear without an outside source.

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. People may describe ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing, roaring, whooshing, or other noises in one or both ears. It is common, but the experience can vary from mildly noticeable to very disruptive.

RingingBuzzingHummingHissingRoaringWhooshing

What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus is often associated with hearing loss or noise exposure, but it can also occur with earwax, middle-ear problems, certain medications, jaw disorders, and other medical conditions. In many cases, more than one factor may contribute.

Hearing lossChanges in the auditory system commonly occur alongside tinnitus.
Noise exposurePast or ongoing loud-sound exposure can be associated with tinnitus.
Earwax or middle-ear problemsConditions affecting sound transmission may contribute to symptoms.
MedicationsCertain medications can be associated with tinnitus in some people.
Jaw or musculoskeletal factorsJaw and surrounding structures can sometimes influence tinnitus.
Other medical conditionsA clinical evaluation helps determine when another cause should be investigated.

Why a hearing test matters

Because tinnitus frequently occurs alongside hearing loss, a comprehensive hearing evaluation is an important starting point. Testing can identify subtle hearing changes, asymmetry, or other findings that may help guide recommendations and determine whether additional medical evaluation is appropriate.

When tinnitus needs prompt evaluation

Seek medical evaluation for tinnitus that:

  • Begins suddenly
  • Occurs only in one ear
  • Pulses with your heartbeat
  • Occurs with sudden hearing loss
  • Is accompanied by significant dizziness or neurologic symptoms

Can tinnitus be treated?

There is no single treatment that works for every person, but many people improve with education, treatment of hearing loss, sound enrichment, hearing aids when appropriate, sleep and stress management, and other strategies selected for the individual.

Hearing careWhen hearing loss is present, appropriately fit hearing aids may improve communication and reduce how noticeable tinnitus feels for some people.
Sound enrichmentBackground sound can reduce contrast between tinnitus and a quiet environment.
Education & counselingUnderstanding tinnitus and reducing fear around the symptom can be an important part of management.
Address contributing factorsSleep, stress, medical conditions, medications, and other individual factors may need attention.

If tinnitus is bothering you, start with a hearing evaluation.

Merit Hearing can assess your hearing, discuss the tinnitus history, and help determine appropriate next steps.

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