Frequently asked questions

Tinnitus is the perception of sound — most often ringing, buzzing, hissing, or roaring — when no external source of that sound is present. It is a symptom, not a disease, and can be temporary or chronic. Most cases are "subjective" tinnitus, meaning only the person experiencing it can hear it.

Tinnitus is associated with many factors, including prolonged exposure to loud noise (industrial, military, music), age-related hearing loss, ear infections, earwax blockage, certain medications (high-dose aspirin, some antibiotics, some chemotherapy drugs), head or neck injuries, and conditions like Ménière's disease or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. In many cases the exact trigger is never identified.

There is currently no FDA-approved cure for chronic subjective tinnitus. Treatment focuses on management — sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, hearing aids when hearing loss is present, and lifestyle changes. Some people experience meaningful reductions in volume or distress; others learn to habituate to the sound. If your tinnitus came on suddenly, is in only one ear, or is accompanied by hearing loss or dizziness, see a healthcare provider promptly — those cases sometimes have an identifiable cause that can be treated.

Descriptions vary widely. Common ones include a high-pitched ringing, a steady hiss like static, a low hum or roar, cricket-like chirping, or a pulsing whoosh. The sound may be in one ear, both ears, or feel like it's inside the head. Volume often fluctuates and can be louder in quiet environments — which is why many people first notice it at night.

In his story, Jim describes a method shown to him by an old friend who is an ear doctor — a combination of dietary and lifestyle steps he believes meaningfully reduced his tinnitus. The full details are in the video. As with any approach involving supplements or lifestyle changes, results vary by person, and you should consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting anything new — especially if you take prescription medications.

For people whose tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss, hearing aids often reduce tinnitus distress because they restore ambient sound that masks the internal ringing. Some modern hearing aids include built-in tinnitus masking or notch therapy. Hearing aids do not eliminate tinnitus on their own, and they are most useful for people with measurable hearing loss confirmed by an audiologist.

Several supplements — including ginkgo biloba, magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, and melatonin (for sleep) — have been studied for tinnitus, with mixed results. Some people report meaningful improvement; controlled trials have generally shown modest or inconsistent effects. None of these are FDA-approved treatments for tinnitus. Speak with your provider before starting a supplement, particularly if you take blood thinners, blood pressure medication, or other prescriptions.

Tinnitus often feels louder at night because there is less environmental sound to mask it. Many readers find that low-level background noise — a fan, white-noise machine, soft music, or a sound app — makes it easier to fall asleep. If your sleep is significantly disrupted, talk to a provider about sleep strategies or sound therapy specifically for tinnitus.

Yes. Chronic tinnitus is strongly associated with sleep loss, anxiety, depression, and in severe cases suicidal thoughts. This is a recognized clinical issue — not a personal weakness. Cognitive behavioral therapy specifically adapted for tinnitus has good evidence for reducing distress. If you are struggling, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional. In the US, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) is available 24/7.

See a healthcare provider promptly if your tinnitus came on suddenly, is in only one ear, pulses with your heartbeat, follows a head injury, is accompanied by sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or facial weakness, or is severely affecting your sleep, mood, or ability to function. An audiologist or ENT can rule out underlying conditions and discuss management options appropriate to your specific situation.

Visit our Contact page for the right inbox for your question — general feedback, story submissions, corrections, press inquiries, or privacy requests.