Tinnitus basics

Tinnitus: a practical guide to ringing, buzzing and other phantom sounds

Tinnitus is the perception of sound without an external source. People may describe ringing, buzzing, roaring, hissing, clicking or other sounds, in one ear, both ears or the head.

Evidence snapshot: NIDCD says tinnitus is often associated with hearing loss and can also be linked with noise exposure, medications, earwax or infection, head/neck injury, jaw problems and other conditions.

Is tinnitus a disease?

Tinnitus is better understood as a symptom or perception rather than a single disease with one cause. That is why evaluation matters: the useful next step can differ depending on the pattern and associated symptoms.

When is it chronic?

NIDCD describes tinnitus lasting three months or longer as chronic. Some cases improve over time; others persist.

What should you do first?

A primary-care clinician can look for obvious contributors such as earwax or infection and review medications and health history. Depending on the presentation, an ENT or audiologist may be appropriate.

What can help?

There is no universal cure. Management can include education, sound-based approaches, behavioral therapy, and hearing aids when hearing loss is present. Learn more in our tinnitus management guide.

Where do supplements fit?

They are widely marketed, but that does not mean they are proven tinnitus treatments. Read our supplements and tinnitus evidence guide before evaluating products.

Sources & editorial basis

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), “Tinnitus,” updated May 1, 2023.
Tunkel DE, et al. “Clinical Practice Guideline: Tinnitus.” Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 2014.
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Medical information is educational and is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Product claims are identified as merchant claims where relevant.