Tinnitus is the awareness of noises in one or both ears and/or in the head when these noises are not present in the environment. It is common and normal to experience tinnitus in extremely quiet environments and a loud ringing sound occasionally for a few seconds. Some people may experience temporary tinnitus when they have ear infections, or after exposure to loud sounds, such as after attending a rock concert. Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom of malfunction in the auditory or hearing system (which includes the ears and the brain). Tinnitus can occur in one or both ears.
What Can Tinnitus Sound Like?
Tinnitus varies significantly between individuals and may present as:
- A ringing or hissing sound
- Buzzing, roaring, humming, ocean-like sound and cicada-like noise
How Common is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is surprisingly widespread in Australia. Around 20% of the general population say they experience tinnitus, though the severity can vary quite a bit from person to person. Of this group, about 2% report that their tinnitus is so disruptive it seriously affects their daily lives.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is often linked to any condition that impacts hearing. Several factors have been associated with the onset of tinnitus, including ear wax build-up, extreme stress or trauma, and damage to the hearing organ in the inner ear (the cochlea), which can result from prolonged exposure to loud noise or simply from aging. Emotional distress or depression may also contribute, as can malfunctions of the eardrum or the bones in the middle ear. Other possible causes include Menière’s syndrome, head or neck injuries, and the use of certain prescription or non-prescription drugs.
