What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound that does not have an external source. It is a symptom, not a single disease.
What can tinnitus sound like?
People describe ringing, buzzing, roaring, whistling, humming, clicking or hissing. It can be intermittent or constant, soft or loud, and present in one ear, both ears or the head.
Subjective and pulsatile tinnitus
Most tinnitus is subjective, meaning only the person experiencing it can hear it. A rhythmic sound that follows the heartbeat is often called pulsatile tinnitus and can warrant additional medical evaluation.
Is tinnitus always permanent?
No. It may improve or resolve, while some cases persist. NIDCD considers tinnitus lasting three months or longer chronic.
What helps?
There is no universal cure. Depending on the person and underlying cause, management can include hearing care, sound-based approaches, counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy, and treatment of an identifiable underlying problem.