If you’ve noticed a ringing in your ears lately, then you’re in good company. That sound is technically known as tinnitus, and according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, about 50 million adults suffer from it. It can range from mild to severe, and can manifest in a variety of sounds. Some of the most common include ringing, whistling, buzzing, humming, and whooshing. In very rare cases, some suffers have complained of hearing music or even voices. Tinnitus is not considered a medical condition itself, but a symptom of some other underlying cause, such as hearing loss, circulatory issues, or inner ear damage. This means that some groups are more likely to get it -- including those who work around loud noises, older people, and those who smoke.Most cases are mild, showing as a slightly annoying background noise, but some can be severe, impacting work, sleep, and concentration. In the next few sections, we’ll go over some of the most common symptoms and causes of tinnitus.
