Tinnitus (pronounced either “TIN-a-tus” or “tin-EYE-tus”) is the medical term for the sensation of hearing sound in your ears or head when no external sound is present. In most cases, tinnitus is a subjective noise, meaning only the sufferer can hear it. It is often described as ringing, but it can also sound like hissing, buzzing, whistling, roaring and even chirping.
There are many potentially causes or triggers of tinnitus, including noise exposure, certain medications and age-related hearing loss.