Ringing in the Ears: A Sound that Never Goes Away
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a condition in which a person experiences a sound in one or both ears, even when no external sound is present. The sound can be a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking, and it can be intermittent or constant. Tinnitus is a common problem, affecting up to 50 million people in the United States.
Symptoms of Tinnitus
The symptoms of tinnitus can vary from person to person. Some people may experience a faint ringing that is barely noticeable, while others may experience a loud, debilitating noise that interferes with their daily life. In addition to the ringing, people with tinnitus may also experience:
- Ear pain
- Headaches
- Difficulty sleeping
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
Causes of Tinnitus
The exact cause of tinnitus is unknown, but it is thought to be related to damage to the hair cells in the inner ear. These hair cells are responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. When the hair cells are damaged, they can send random signals to the brain, which can be interpreted as sound.
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