Tinnitus Affects Everyone Differently

Tinnitus is hearing a sound when no outside source is present.

Some people notice their tinnitus but are not bothered by it.  For others, tinnitus can be debilitating. It can affect sleep, concentration, well-being, and other aspects of daily living. 

Bothersome tinnitus should never be dismissed. 

It should be addressed and treated with care. 

What Does Tinnitus Sound Like?

Tinnitus may be heard in one ear, both ears, or somewhere in the head.

Tinnitus can sound like ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing, wooshing, clicking, or pulsing, or even music. 

Some people hear a single sound, while others hear several. The sound may be high-pitched or low-pitched, range from soft to loud, steady or changing.  It may come and go, last for a short time, or continue over months or years. How loud a person's tinnitus sounds does not necessarily relate to how much it impacts someone. 

How Common is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus can affect people of all ages and from all backgrounds. 

• 25 million Americans experience  tinnitus
• 16 million people seek professional care for tinnitus each year
• 90% of adults with tinnitus also have hearing loss
• 50% of children with hearing loss report tinnitus
• Musicians are 57% more likely to experience tinnitus
• Tinnitus is the #1 most common service-connected disability among U.S. veterans

What Health Conditions are Associated with Tinnitus?

In many cases, a specific cause of tinnitus cannot be identified. However, there are many health conditions that commonly occur with tinnitus.

• Hearing loss 
• Noise exposure
• Ear conditions, including cerumen (earwax) blockage, ear infections, and ear disorders such as Ménière's disease
• Head or neck injuries
• Certain medications or other ototoxic substances
• Jaw dysfunction or tension
• Vascular, neurological, or other medical conditions 

How Does Tinnitus Develop?

Tinnitus is complex, and much remains unknown.

Tinnitus can develop through different mechanisms. Some forms of subjective tinnitus are thought to involve changes in input from the ear and changes in neural signaling within the brain. 

Other forms of tinnitus may be associated with changes in blood flow, muscle activity, or sensory input from the jaw or neck. Specific mechanisms involved in tinnitus are still under investigation may vary by tinnitus type and from person to person. 

Continued research is essential to understand these mechanisms, improve how tinnitus types are evaluated, develop more effective treatments, and accelerate progress toward a cure. 

Are There Treatments Available That Can Help with Tinnitus?

There is no cure. However, there are evidence-based interventions that can reduce impact and improve quality of life. 

Some interventions, such as learning about tinnitus, using gentle background sound, practicing healthy sleep, relaxation, and stress management habits, and using evidence-based digital programs designed for self-guided use, can be pursued independently. 

Other interventions require evaluation, guidance, and support from a qualified professional. Care for underlying medical, audiological, jaw, neck sleep or other mental health conditions may be addressed. Depending on a person's needs these interventions may include but are not limited to hearing technology, structured sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and other behavioral or mindfullness-based approaches, and bimodal neuromodulation. Tinnitus care is personalized to the person's symptoms, needs, and goals. 

Professionals Involved in Tinnitus Care

• Audiologists
  
• Primary Care Providers
  
• Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Physicians
  
• Behavioral and Mental Health Providers
  
• Hearing Instrument Specialists
  
• Sleep Medicine Providers
  
• Dental and Orofacial Care Providers
  
• Physical Therapists
  
• Neurologists
  
• Massage Therapists
  
• Chiropractors
  
• Other Providers

What is Tinnitus-Related Distress?

Tinnitus-related distress occurs when tinnitus feels overwhelming and a person may feel unable to cope. Tinnitus-related distress should never be ignored.

Tinnitus Support

Crisis Support: Call or text 988 or chat online.

Immediate Danger: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department 

Non-Medical Tinnitus Guidance: Call the American Tinnitus Association TinnAp Helpline at 800.634.8978, ext. 3