Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears when no external sound is present. It's a common condition affecting about 15-20% of people. Tinnitus isn't a condition itself—it's a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury, or a circulatory system disorder.

Causes of Tinnitus

Hearing Loss : Tiny, delicate hair cells in your inner ear move in relation to the pressure of sound waves. This movement triggers electrical signals along the nerve from your ear to your brain. Your brain interprets these signals as sound. If the hairs inside your inner ear are bent or broken, they can "leak" random electrical impulses to your brain, causing tinnitus.
Ear Infection or Ear Canal Blockage : Your ear canals can become blocked with a buildup of fluid (ear infection), earwax, dirt, or other foreign materials. A blockage can change the pressure in your ear, causing tinnitus.
Head or Neck Injuries : Head or neck trauma can affect the inner ear, hearing nerves, or brain function linked to hearing. Such injuries generally cause tinnitus in only one ear.
Medications : A number of medications may cause or worsen tinnitus. Generally, the higher the dose of these medications, the worse tinnitus becomes. Often the unwanted noise disappears when you stop using these drugs.

Symptoms of Tinnitus

Ringing
Buzzing
Roaring
Clicking
Hissing
Humming

Diagnosis

If you have tinnitus, your doctor will look for signs of an underlying condition that can be treated. In many cases, tinnitus is due to an underlying cause that can be addressed. Your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or an audiologist for a hearing test