Tinnitus is the sound of ringing in the ears. It may also be described as roaring, buzzing, hissing, or clicking inside the head. The sounds may come and go. Or they may be ongoing. The sounds range in severity from a mild distraction to a disabling condition. The sound may happen in one or both ears. The sounds may have different tones.

There is a special kind of tinnitus called pulsatile tinnitus. It can be caused by blood flow issues to the brain or by increased brain fluid pressure. With this condition, you can hear your heartbeat in your ear.

Tinnitus may be caused by many things, including:

• Various types of hearing loss.
• Damage to the nerve endings in the inner ear.
• Exposure to loud noises.
• Ear and sinus infections.
• High or low blood pressure.
• A tumor.
• Diabetes.
• Thyroid problems.
• A head or neck injury.
• Reaction to certain medicines.
• Wax buildup.
• Jaw misalignment.

People with tinnitus will often complain of hearing these sounds in their head:

• Ringing
• Roaring
• Buzzing
• Hissing
• Clicking

They may complain that they have trouble sleeping. They may hear their heartbeat in their ear.

The diagnosis of tinnitus includes a complete health history and physical exam. Your doctor may request an audiological evaluation. Depending on the suspected cause of the tinnitus, other tests may be needed.

Treatment will depend on your age, general health, and how severe your symptoms are.

Currently there is no known cure for tinnitus. But experts suggest trying one of the following to find relief:

• Hearing aids. These may help some people with tinnitus who have hearing loss. Using a hearing aid helps make the sounds louder that you are having trouble hearing. This may reduce the tinnitus.
• Cochlear implants. This option is for those who have tinnitus and severe hearing loss.
• Maskers or sound generators. These provide help for some people by making tinnitus less noticeable. This small electronic device creates sound that may make the ringing or roaring seem softer.
• Medicines. Some medicines may ease tinnitus by addressing a problem linked to the condition. Medicines may also improve mood or sleep.
• Tinnitus retraining therapy. This therapy uses a combination of counseling and maskers. An ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT or otolaryngologist) or a hearing specialist (audiologist) can help you learn how to deal with the tinnitus.
• Counseling. You may find it helpful to meet with a counselor or support group.
• Relaxation. This may provide relief as stress may make tinnitus worse.

Tinnitus can affect your quality of life. Your doctor may be able to figure out the underlying cause, which can then be treated. Work with your doctor to come up with ways to reduce tinnitus.

• Tinnitus is the sound of ringing, roaring, buzzing, hissing, or clicking that happens inside the head.
• The sounds may come and go. Or they may be ongoing.
• There are many causes of tinnitus. Each may be addressed differently.
• Tinnitus can affect your quality of life.
• Treatment varies from use of hearing aids, maskers, and medicine to counseling and relaxation methods.

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your doctor:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your doctor tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new directions your doctor gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your doctor if you have questions.