Tinnitus is the sensation of a sound in the head without any external source. It is usually a ringing sound, but some may experience humming, chirping, whistling, shrieking, roaring, hissing, or buzzing. The sound may affect one or both ears and can seem to be distant or inside the head. Everyone can experience this phenomenon briefly after exposure to loud noise, however, if it lasts over 6 months, it is called chronic tinnitus.

Causes
One of the most common causes of tinnitus is inner ear damage. The middle ear catches the sound waves, and the inner ear takes these electrical impulses to the brain. One can hear only after the brain accepts these signals and turns them into sounds. But when the inner ear is damaged, it alters how the brain processes sound. Damage to the eardrums or the small bones in the middle ear can also intervene with sound conduction. Tumors on the auditory nerve or the ear are also risk factors. For some, exposure to loud sounds causes transient tinnitus, however, frequently being exposed to noise can cause chronic tinnitus. So, those who use chainsaws, jackhammers, or other noisy tools are more susceptible here. The following conditions can also aggravate the risk of tinnitus:

1. Excessive accumulation of earwax leading to changes in auditory perception
2. Hearing loss associated with aging
3. Middle ear muscle spasms
4. Ménière’s disease–a condition affecting both hearing and balance in the inner ear
5. Thyroid disorders
6. Ear infections
7. Elevated blood pressure levels
8. Abnormal cholesterol levels
9. Traumatic injuries to the head and neck
10. Chronic pain in the head and jaw due to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

Palatal myoclonus and aneurysms are rare causes of tinnitus.

Symptoms
People describe tinnitus as a ringing sound in the ears without an external source of such sound. But tinnitus might induce other phantom noises, such as clicking, buzzing, humming, hissing, or roaring. Typically, people with tinnitus experience subjective tinnitus, meaning tinnitus that only they can hear. The tinnitus noises might vary in pitch from a high squeal to a low roar, and one may experience it in one or both ears. In some cases, the sounds are so loud that they intervene with the ability to hear outside sounds or concentrate. One with tinnitus might experience persistent symptoms, or they can come and go. The sound may be intermittent or constant, pulsating or steady. Sometimes, one may experience whooshing or rhythmic pulsing sounds, usually in sync with the heartbeat. This is known as pulsatile tinnitus. Here, the doctor can hear the tinnitus when they examine the patient, making it objective tinnitus.

Treatment
Tinnitus is not a condition itself but a symptom of disorders. So, the treatment options can vary depending on the cause. For instance, if high blood pressure is causing tinnitus, the healthcare professional will suggest prescriptions and lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure. Similarly, if excessive earwax is responsible for the ringing sound one experiences, doctors can remove the buildup gently. One must never use cotton swabs or get rid of the wax on their own. Other treatment options that help relieve tinnitus are:

1. Sound maskers can help block the ringing.
2. Hearing aids can help manage age-related tinnitus.
3. Relaxation techniques like biofeedback, deep breathing, or exercise to manage stress-induced tinnitus.
4. Retraining therapy disguises the ringing sounds with tonal music.