Tinnitus Explained: What That Ringing in Your Ears Really Means
We get a lot of questions about tinnitus, so we’ve pulled together answers to the ones we hear most often – what causes it, what it sounds like, and what can be done to manage it.
Let’s start with how you say it (because yes, that’s one of our most common questions). There are two correct pronunciations:
ti-NIGHT-us – most often used by patients
TIN-a-tus – commonly used in the medical field
Rest easy, either pronunciation is accepted!
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is often described as “ringing in the ears,” but that’s just one possibility. Our patients also report whistling, buzzing, hissing, roaring, swooshing, clicking, and other sounds that don’t come from an actual external source.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, more than 50 million Americans (nearly 15% of the population) experience tinnitus, and for over 90% of those individuals, hearing loss is also present.
There are two main types of tinnitus:
Subjective Tinnitus: This is by far the most common type. The sound is only heard by the person experiencing it and is usually linked to changes in the auditory system or brain, often related to hearing loss. More than 99% of tinnitus cases fall into this category.
Objective Tinnitus: This type is much rarer. The sound can be heard by both the patient and, in some cases, others. It’s typically caused by blood flow or movement within the body’s musculoskeletal system.
Causes of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying health condition; it's not a health disorder. It can be temporary or ongoing and is usually a brain reaction to damage in the ear and auditory system. According to the American Tinnitus Association, there are approximately 200 health disorders that can cause Tinnitus. Here is a list of some of the most common:
Hearing Loss - This is the most common cause of Tinnitus, whether age-related or noise-induced.
Obstructions in the Outer and Middle Ear - Excessive ear wax, fluid, congestion, or foreign objects
Head and Neck Trauma
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder - Damage to the muscles, ligaments, or cartilage of the TMJ, where the lower jaw connects to the skull in front of the ears
Sinus Pressure
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - One of the major causes of Tinnitus among our military and veterans.
Ototoxic Drugs, including Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), certain antibiotics, cancer medications, and diuretics. In some cases, stopping the medication can improve Tinnitus symptoms; however, this decision must be made with a medical professional.
Certain Medical Conditions, such as Hypo- and Hyperthyroidism, Anemia, Lyme's Disease, Fibromyalgia, High Blood Pressure, Depression, Anxiety, and Ménière's Disease
Symptoms of Tinnitus
As indicated above, most people experience Subjective Tinnitus, meaning the sound is only perceived by the patient. The American Tinnitus Association has compiled a list of sounds that we feel best convey what our patients describe. You can listen to these sounds here, just be sure to turn down the volume to the right of each sound before you hit "play."
Tinnitus Management
At this time, there isn’t a scientific cure for most types of tinnitus. That said, there are effective ways to manage it. Our goal is always to identify and address any underlying cause. Sometimes that’s as simple as removing earwax, treating an infection, or reviewing medications. Other times, it may involve a hearing evaluation and, if appropriate, hearing aids or sound therapy. For folks regularly exposed to loud environments, hearing protection can also make a big difference.
Some patients also benefit from sound-based solutions, such as white noise or gentle music, which can help reduce awareness of tinnitus and make it easier for the brain to tune it out.
If you think you may be experiencing tinnitus, give us a call. We’re happy to talk through your symptoms and help you figure out the next step.
Want to learn more? Visit our tinnitus page for additional resources and updates.
Content last updated 2026
