Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of sound—such as ringing, roaring, buzzing, hissing, clicking, or whistling—inside the head or ears when no external sound exists. It can affect one or both ears, vary in pitch and volume, and may be continuous or intermittent. For many, it’s a mild annoyance; for others, it becomes disabling, interfering with sleep, concentration, and daily life.

The most common cause is hearing loss, especially age-related or due to prolonged exposure to loud noises. Other triggers include ear infections, sinus issues, Menière’s disease, thyroid disorders, high or low blood pressure, certain medications (like aspirin, NSAIDs, and some antibiotics), and anxiety or depression.
There is currently no known cure, but several management strategies provide relief. Hearing aids help those with hearing loss by amplifying external sounds, reducing the prominence of tinnitus. Sound maskers or generators create background noise to make tinnitus less noticeable. Tinnitus retraining therapy combines counseling with sound therapy to retrain the brain to ignore the sound. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) reduces anxiety and distress related to tinnitus. Relaxation techniques also help, as stress can worsen symptoms.

Protecting ears from loud environments and reviewing medications with a doctor are key preventive steps.