Tinnitus is the perception of noises in the head and/or ear which have no external source. It derives from the Latin word for ringing and those living with the condition may have to endure a ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling or other noise. The sensation can be constant or intermittent and it can vary in volume. Tinnitus is very common and is reported in all age groups, even young children. About 30% of people will experience tinnitus at some point in their lives.
Whilst we do not know the exact causes of tinnitus, we know that it is not an illness and that it may be linked to a number of factors including hearing loss, noise exposure, medication, or traumatic life experiences.
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