What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a condition in which you hear noises when there is no outside source of the sounds. The noises can have many different qualities (ringing, clicking, buzzing, roaring, whistling, or hissing) and can be soft or loud.

Usually, only the person experiencing the tinnitus can hear the sounds. Tinnitus can occur either with or without hearing loss, and can be perceived in one or both ears or in the head.


People of any age can suffer from tinnitus, although it does not typically occur in children. Children with tinnitus should be evaluated for hearing loss or other underlying cause.

What causes tinnitus?

Although tinnitus often has no specific cause, the most common identifiable causes of tinnitus include the following:

