Tinnitus is a common problem that affects millions of people. As an audiologist, I work with many people who have tinnitus.
People often refer to tinnitus as "ringing in the ears," but I've worked with many patients who report that tinnitus sounds different from ringing. (FYI: Tinnitus can present as different sounds or auditory experiences.) For example, some say it sounds like humming, buzzing, chirping, crickets, or clicking in the ears.
Although tinnitus is often associated with hearing loss, it can have other causes and also affect those with normal hearing. Moreover, the volume and frequency can vary from person to person.
Keep scrolling and read through our comprehensive guide on what tinnitus sounds like, including examples of different types, and how they affect people.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there isn't one. Patients sometimes tell me stories of when they first experienced tinnitus, discovering that the sound wasn't coming from somewhere in the room but rather from their head.
For example, one patient described sitting in his quiet living room while noticing the sound. He got up and walked around, looking for its source.
Then, realizing there wasn't an alarm or other noise and no one else could hear the sound, he determined the sound's source was inside his head. On its own, tinnitus is just a symptom and it's a sound that is generated by the brain.
Other Notable Tinnitus Perceptions
Tinnitus can have many different qualities and sound perceptions. While less common, some of these include:
- Pulsatile Tinnitus
- Music Ear
- Voices
- Clicking
Clicking
Another type of tinnitus is clicking, often heard like someone clicking their tongue. Clicking tinnitus can occur due to muscle spasms in the ear, jaw, or neck muscles. Listen to clicking sounds here.
Pulsatile Tinnitus
Another type of tinnitus is pulsatile tinnitus, which sounds like a heartbeat or pulsing sensation in the ears. People with pulsatile tinnitus can generally hear their heartbeat or the blood rushing through their veins. This type of tinnitus is less common and should be medically evaluated. Some patients are anatomically more predisposed to audible pulsatile tinnitus. However, pulsatile tinnitus is worth evaluating, as it can have vascular etiology. Listen to pulsatile tinnitus sounds here.
Musical Ear
Musical ear syndrome is another form of tinnitus that is less common but affects some individuals who have lost their hearing. People with this type of tinnitus report hearing music in their head, often songs they haven't heard in years or even unfamiliar melodies. In my experience, patients often hear songs they remember from childhood or other instrumental melodies. The music can be distracting and disrupts their daily activities. Watch a video on musical ear syndrome here.
Voices
Like musical ear syndrome, patients sometimes hear music with lyrics or other sounds resembling voices. In my experience, this is more common with patients with more severe hearing loss, but it can also have other causes. To note, tinnitus that resembles voices is less common. Please see a physician and discuss your symptoms if you have concerns about hearing voices.
Conclusion
Tinnitus can present in different types and sounds, and the severity can depend on the person's situation. If you find the sound of your tinnitus bothersome, try at-home remedies for tinnitus, including using white noise machines and mindfulness practices. If you or someone you know is experiencing tinnitus, it is best to consult a healthcare professional to address the underlying cause and manage the condition. The good news is that many people with tinnitus find ways to manage it and prevent negative impacts on their lives.
