Tinnitus Symptoms: What It Sounds Like and When to See a Doctor

Tinnitus is the experience of hearing a sound that has no outside source. It is very common: about 1 in 10 adults in the United States has had tinnitus in the past year. For most it is mild, but for some it affects sleep, focus, and mood.

What tinnitus sounds like

"Ringing in the ears" is the classic description, but people describe many different sounds:

• Ringing or high-pitched whining
• Buzzing or humming
• Hissing, like static or steam
• Roaring or rushing
• Clicking
• Whooshing in time with your heartbeat (called pulsatile tinnitus)

The sound can be soft or loud, in one ear or both, or seem to come from inside your head. It may be constant or come and go.

Subjective and objective tinnitus

Almost all tinnitus is subjective: only you can hear it, and it comes from changes in how your hearing system and brain process sound. Rarely, tinnitus is objective, meaning a doctor can hear it too, for example from blood flow or muscle spasms near the ear.

What often comes with it

• Hearing loss. Many people with tinnitus also have some hearing loss, even if they have not noticed it.
• Sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis). Everyday sounds may seem uncomfortably loud.
• Trouble sleeping, especially in a quiet room.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Stress, anxiety, or low mood. These can make tinnitus feel louder, and tinnitus can make them worse.

A feeling of fullness or pain in the ear is not a symptom of tinnitus itself, but it may point to another ear problem, such as earwax, infection, or fluid, that is contributing to it.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor or an audiologist if tinnitus lasts more than a week or two, bothers you, or affects your sleep or mood. A hearing test is a good first step.

Get medical care promptly if you have:

• Sudden hearing loss, with or without tinnitus. This is a medical emergency, and treatment works best when started within days.
• Tinnitus in only one ear.
• Tinnitus that pulses with your heartbeat.
• Dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems.
• Weakness in your face, headache, or other neurological symptoms.

The encouraging part

Even when no cause can be found, tinnitus can usually be made much less bothersome. Hearing aids, sound therapy, CBT, better sleep habits, and structured self-help programs all help many people. It often takes some trial and error to find the mix that works for you.