The auditory system is one of the human body’s most complex and delicate sensory systems.

Tinnitus (TIN-ih-tus) is the medical term for the perception of sound in one or both ears or in the head when no external sound is present. It is often referred to as “ringing in the ears,” although some people hear hissing, roaring, whistling, chirping or clicking. Tinnitus can be intermittent or constant and its perceived volume can range from subtle to earth-shattering. Approximately 1 out of every 6 people (or 50 million people) in the United States experience tinnitus to some degree.

Tinnitus does not cause hearing loss. It is a symptom of an underlying condition, such as:

• Age-related hearing loss

• Noise exposure

• Ear injury

• Head or neck trauma

• Turbulence in a carotid artery or jugular vein

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues

• Meniere’s disease

• Certain types of tumors

• Wax build-up

• Ototoxic medications

Although there presently is no cure, in some cases, tinnitus can be managed by treating the underlying cause or by altering reactions to it. It is important to note that treatment outcomes vary depending on the specific cause of tinnitus, how long a patient has had the tinnitus and other competing health factors.