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What is Tinnitus?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Tinnitus is a medical condition which is characterized by buzzing, clicking, ringing, whistling, or whining noises in the ear, despite the lack of external stimuli which might create these sounds. In addition to being irritating, this condition may also be a symptom of more troubling underlying problems such as tumors, infections, or hearing loss. Patients who experience symptoms should consult a doctor to determine what the cause is and receive treatment. A doctor may not be able to make the sound go away, but he or she can help patients manage it.

This condition can affect one or both ears, depending on the cause. The word comes from the Latin tinnitus, or “ringing.” Humans have reported cases of ringing ears for thousands of years, and a number of treatments from the mundane to the bizarre have been attempted. Because the causes of this condition are so varied, has also historically been challenging to treat, and this remains true today.

Tinnitus is characterized by buzzing or ringing noises in the ear.
Tinnitus is characterized by buzzing or ringing noises in the ear.

There are technically two types of tinnitus. The vast majority of cases are subjective, meaning that only the patient can hear the sounds. In other instances, known as objective tinnitus, a doctor can hear the noises as well when he or she examines the patient. The two types have different underlying causes, and while the objective type is sometimes treatable, the subjective type is much more intractable.

Frequently listening to loud music with headphones can cause tinnitus.
Frequently listening to loud music with headphones can cause tinnitus.

Common causes of tinnitus include head trauma, damage to the nerve endings in the ear, blocked canals, ear infections, and the use of certain prescription drugs. When the cause is something like a tumor or earwax obstruction, the condition can be treated by removing the offending item. If the cause is medication, a doctor may recommend a change of medication, or change the dosage. Things like nerve damage are not as easy to treat, unfortunately. A case of tinnitus may also be caused by temporary damage to the ears, such as exposure to an explosion or similar loud noise, in which case the symptoms will subside after a period of time.

Ear plugs can help prevent trauma from loud noises.
Ear plugs can help prevent trauma from loud noises.

When a patient complains of tinnitus, a doctor will usually perform screening to eliminate causes such as systemic infections, just to be rule out any potential causes not seen on physical examination. In a case where a doctor cannot eliminate the condition, the patient can learn how to manage it. Many patients use masking devices such as fans or ear implants to create pleasant white noise. Patients are also encouraged to manage their stress well, since stress appears to be linked to recurrent tinnitus.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

wadewebs

I have this constant ringing in my ears when I sleep at night and it seems to be when my ear is completely covered by the pillow. I have got used to it over the years, but still seek out a way to stop it. Wade

katalina1

I get this weird rhythmic whining sound in my right ear when I turn in bed at night.

Anyone have any thoughts about it? It is only when I shift positions at night and mostly when I lay on my right ear. Thanks

steve123

HI,

Quick question. I have the type where only you can hear the noise; in this case the annoying ringing sound. It happened when a loud noise went off by my right ear. Ever since then, I have had the constant ringing, even when I go to sleep. I'm up all night and school begins in only a couple of hours. This is the first time I've been near a loud sound.

Will this subjective tinnitus last for only a couple of days or is this permanent?

I can still hear out of both my ears. It's just when i try to talk or listen that I have the ringing sound going off.

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    • Tinnitus is characterized by buzzing or ringing noises in the ear.
      By: MAST
      Tinnitus is characterized by buzzing or ringing noises in the ear.
    • Frequently listening to loud music with headphones can cause tinnitus.
      By: Warren Goldswain
      Frequently listening to loud music with headphones can cause tinnitus.
    • Ear plugs can help prevent trauma from loud noises.
      By: autayeu
      Ear plugs can help prevent trauma from loud noises.
    • Ringing in the ears is a symptom of a ruptured eardrum.
      By: Von Schonertagen
      Ringing in the ears is a symptom of a ruptured eardrum.
    • Blocked canals or damage to nerve endings in the ear may be the cause of tinnitus.
      By: kocakayaali
      Blocked canals or damage to nerve endings in the ear may be the cause of tinnitus.
    • Head trauma may cause tinnitus.
      By: lightwavemedia
      Head trauma may cause tinnitus.
    • Consulting with a doctor may be helpful in determining the cause of tinnitus.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Consulting with a doctor may be helpful in determining the cause of tinnitus.
    • Stress has been linked to recurring tinnitus.
      By: Mitarart
      Stress has been linked to recurring tinnitus.
    • Tinnitus may be symptomatic of an underlying problem such as hearing loss.
      By: slasnyi
      Tinnitus may be symptomatic of an underlying problem such as hearing loss.