what is tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head when no external sound is present. People with tinnitus may hear ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling, clicking, or other noises that only they can hear. This condition is quite common, affecting about 10-20% of people, and can occur in one or both ears. Tinnitus is not a disease but rather a symptom that can result from various underlying causes. These include hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, ear infections, earwax buildup, certain medications, head injuries, and conditions like Ménière’s disease or temporomandibular joint disorders. It can also emerge during periods of emotional stress. Though the sounds perceived by those with tinnitus can vary in loudness and can be constant or intermittent, tinnitus can sometimes interfere with concentration, sleep, and overall quality of life. For some, it may also be associated with anxiety or depression. There is currently no cure for tinnitus, but treatments and management strategies, such as sound therapy and behavioral therapies, can help reduce its impact. In summary, tinnitus is the experience of hearing sounds, often described as ringing or buzzing, without any external source of the sound being present. It is usually linked to hearing issues or other health factors and affects many people worldwide. If you want, I can provide more details on causes, symptoms, or treatments for tinnitus.