What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is commonly described as a hissing sound, roaring or chirping sound. Treatment is dependent on the cause and may include the following: sound therapy, drug therapy, counseling, biofeedback, dental treatment or electrical stimulation. Tinnitus, commonly called “ringing in the ears,” is any sound you hear that’s not from an external source. It can sound like a buzz, a high-pitched tone, pulsing or chirping. Some people even perceive singing or music. It can come on gradually over months or years, or happen instantly.

The most common cause of tinnitus is inner ear damage. What causes inner ear damage? Noise. Nearly a third of all tinnitus cases can be traced back to noise damage. And it’s more common than you think. About 21 percent of 55- to 64-year-olds experience tinnitus.