What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing sounds such as ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing, or whistling in the ears when there is no external sound causing them. It can be temporary or persistent and may affect one or both ears. Tinnitus can have several possible causes, including exposure to loud noise, age-related hearing changes, earwax buildup, certain medications, or other underlying conditions. For some people, it can be distracting and may interfere with concentration, relaxation, or sleep.