What Is It?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is actually present. People with tinnitus hear ringing, buzzing, hissing, humming, roaring, or even musical tones that no one else can hear. It’s not a disease itself, but a symptom of an underlying condition.
For some people it’s a mild background noise they barely notice. For others, it can be severe enough to affect concentration, sleep, and quality of life.
How Common Is It?
- Affects 15-20% of people to some degree
- About 2% of adults experience tinnitus severe enough to significantly affect their daily life
- More common in people over 50, but can occur at any age
- Can be temporary (after a loud concert) or chronic (lasting months or years)
What Does It Sound Like?
Tinnitus sounds different for everyone. The most commonly reported sounds include:
- High-pitched ringing — The most common type, often around 4,000-8,000 Hz
- Buzzing — Like an electrical hum
- Hissing — Similar to static or white noise
- Clicking — Rhythmic clicking or tapping
- Roaring — Low-frequency humming like a distant engine
- Pulsatile — A rhythmic whooshing in time with your heartbeat
Signs You Might Have It
- You hear a sound in quiet environments that others don’t
- The sound persists even when you cover your ears
- The sound is more noticeable at night or in silent rooms
- You find yourself needing background noise to feel comfortable
What To Do
- See an audiologist — They can perform hearing tests and tinnitus assessments
- Protect your hearing — Avoid loud noise exposure, which can worsen tinnitus
- Manage stress — Stress and anxiety can amplify tinnitus perception
- Explore sound therapy — White noise machines, hearing aids, and tinnitus retraining therapy can help
- Check medications — Some medications can cause or worsen tinnitus