Ringing in Your Ear? What Tinnitus Really Means—And When It’s Time to See a Doctor

🩺 What Is Tinnitus? (Beyond the Ringing)

Tinnitus isn’t a disease—it’s a symptom of something else going on in your auditory system or brain.

It’s the perception of sound when no external noise is present. People describe it as:

• Ringing
• Buzzing
• Hissing
• Clicking
• Roaring
• Even music or voices (rare)

There are two main types:

• Subjective tinnitus (99% of cases): Only you can hear it—linked to hearing loss, noise exposure, or ear issues
• Objective tinnitus (rare): A doctor can hear it too—often caused by blood vessel or muscle problems

💡 Key fact: Tinnitus is not caused by “earwax alone”—but earwax can trigger or worsen it.