Tinnitus is the name for noises we hear in the ear or in the head in the absence of an external sound. This means that no one can hear it except the affected individual. Nearly 20% of adults suffer from this discomfort at some point in their life. Tinnitus may come and go, or it may be a continuous sound.
Tinnitus can vary in frequency from low to high pitch. It may be of one tone or varying tones. If the tinnitus is constant and loud, it can be disturbing, annoying and distracting. Some individuals that have tinnitus may be so troubled by the tinnitus that it affects their daily life.