Tinnitus refers to sounds in the ears, such as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or humming.
These symptoms are often temporary and tend to resolve on their own after a short period of time.
Symptoms can occur after exposure to loud noise, such as at a concert or following a sudden impulse sound like a gunshot.
If the symptoms persist, they may sometimes lead to headaches, stress, difficulty concentrating, irritability, low mood, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. While some individuals gradually learn to manage the sounds over time, others may require additional support and professional guidance.
The word tinnitus originates from the Latin tinnire, meaning “to ring.” Tinnitus is defined as the perception of sound without an external source and can only be heard by the individual affected. This is known as subjective tinnitus, which is by far the most common form.
There is also a rarer form called objective tinnitus, where the sound can be measured or detected by others. This may be caused by turbulent blood flow in the vessels or muscle contractions in the middle ear, and it can be highly distressing for the person experiencing it.
Tinnitus is very common. It is estimated that around 15% of the population in Sweden — approximately 1.5 million people — experience tinnitus. Of these, about 100,000 individuals have symptoms severe enough to significantly impact their daily lives (Swedish Association of Hard of Hearing People).
Tinnitus can affect people of all ages. However, certain professions — including musicians, teachers, industrial workers, military personnel, and hospitality staff — are at increased risk due to higher levels of noise exposure.
Common signs of tinnitus
When tinnitus occurs, it may be perceived as buzzing, ringing, humming, whistling, or rushing sounds. Both the character and the volume of the sound can vary. Some people notice their tinnitus only at certain times of the day, while for others it may fluctuate over time. It is also possible to experience more than one type of sound simultaneously. The noise may be heard in one ear or in both.
In other words, tinnitus is often highly individual. The way it is experienced and perceived differs greatly from person to person. Some individuals experience significant distress even with mild tinnitus, while others are largely unaffected despite hearing loud tinnitus sounds for much of the day. An individual’s mindset and approach to the condition are therefore among the most important factors in managing tinnitus effectively.
If tinnitus does not go away
When tinnitus or ringing in the ears occurs for the first time, it can often feel alarming. Symptoms may develop after exposure to loud music, such as at a concert or nightclub. In many cases, these symptoms subside within a few days. If they persist, it is advisable to seek professional advice and support, as this may indicate a noise-induced hearing injury.
If you have recently developed tinnitus, try to give your ears time to rest. Create a period of sound rest by avoiding loud environments and allowing your hearing to recover. Be mindful to protect your ears during this time and avoid further exposure to high noise levels.
Your overall life situation can also have an impact. Increased stress — whether related to work, family, or other circumstances — can worsen tinnitus symptoms. The onset is often gradual, and actively working with relaxation techniques and stress management can be highly beneficial.
If you have noticed a decline in your hearing, you should consider having a hearing test. Many people with hearing loss also experience tinnitus. Treating hearing loss with hearing aids can often help, as modern devices can be programmed with features specifically designed to relieve tinnitus symptoms. Today’s hearing technology includes advanced programs aimed at reducing discomfort and is widely appreciated by users.
If your symptoms develop suddenly or worsen rapidly, you should contact your primary care provider or general practitioner for further evaluation.
Artists who have experienced tinnitus
Awareness of tinnitus and ringing in the ears has increased significantly in recent years. Many well-known artists and musicians have spoken openly about their experiences, helping to highlight the importance of hearing health.
Brothers Liam Gallagher and Noel Gallagher from Oasis have discussed their tinnitus in interviews with the British music magazine NME. Both described experiencing “ringing in the ears when no external sound is present.” Encouragingly, many UK artists have chosen to speak publicly about their hearing difficulties, contributing to greater awareness of musicians’ hearing health. Artists such as Chris Martin of Coldplay and Pete Townshend of The Who have been particularly active in advocating for hearing protection.
In the United States, a number of artists and public figures have also shared their experiences with tinnitus. Examples include:
- Ronald Reagan – Developed tinnitus after a gunshot during a film shoot earlier in his career.
- Steve Martin – Experienced tinnitus following work on the film Three Amigos.
- William Shatner – Reported hearing problems after standing too close to a loudspeaker while filming Star Trek.
- Bob Dylan – Developed hearing issues after decades of touring and rehearsing.
- Charles Darwin – Is believed to have suffered daily from ringing in the ears.
- Ozzy Osbourne – Has spoken about hearing damage after years of loud performances, once remarking that he “should have used earplugs earlier.”
- will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas – Has said he no longer knows what true silence sounds like due to constant ringing.
- Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails – Has referenced his symptoms in songs such as The Becoming and Something I Can Never Have.
- Phil Collins – Developed hearing problems after many years as a drummer.
- Barbra Streisand – Has experienced hearing issues since childhood.
- Anthony Kiedis of Red Hot Chili Peppers – Has developed hearing problems related to long-term music exposure.
- Moby – First experienced ringing in his ears early in his career while performing with a punk band and has worn hearing protection ever since.
- Liza Minnelli – Has had hearing-related problems since childhood.
- Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield of Metallica – Have spoken about tinnitus after decades of performing.
- Huey Lewis of Huey Lewis and the News – Developed hearing problems after many years of noise exposure.
- Thomas Bangalter of Daft Punk – Has limited performances in smaller clubs due to hearing concerns.
- Louis Tomlinson of One Direction – Has reported experiencing ringing in the ears due to prolonged exposure to loud fan noise.
By speaking openly about tinnitus, these individuals have contributed to reducing stigma and increasing awareness of the importance of hearing protection — particularly within the music industry.
How do you know if it’s tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a symptom that involves hearing sounds that are not present in your external environment. These sounds can take many forms, such as ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing, or roaring. Some people describe the sounds as resembling music or even voices. Tinnitus may be constant or intermittent, and the intensity can vary depending on your surroundings and what you are doing.
If you experience sounds in your ears or head without an identifiable external source, you may have tinnitus. If you suspect this is the case, it is important to speak with a doctor, audiologist, or other healthcare professional. They can help determine whether you have tinnitus and advise you on the most appropriate management or treatment options for your individual situation.
Is tinnitus dangerous?
Tinnitus itself is not dangerous, but it can be a symptom of an underlying condition or injury that may require treatment. For this reason, it is important to speak with a doctor or other healthcare professional if you experience tinnitus, so that possible causes can be identified and appropriate management discussed.
In some cases, tinnitus is associated with hearing loss. This can affect your ability to hear and understand speech. Hearing loss may also make it more difficult to participate in conversations and communicate with others, which in turn can lead to social withdrawal and other health-related challenges.
Tinnitus can also be highly distracting and stressful. It may interfere with your ability to sleep and perform everyday activities. If tinnitus becomes difficult to manage, it can impact your overall health and well-being. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor, audiologist, or other healthcare professional to discuss suitable treatment and support options tailored to your needs.
How can you get rid of tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a symptom that can be caused by a variety of underlying factors, and there is no single treatment that works for everyone. Management options depend on the cause of the tinnitus and how severe it is.
However, there are several strategies that may help reduce the discomfort associated with tinnitus:
Take care of your hearing.
Protect your ears by using hearing protection in environments with loud noise or prolonged sound exposure.
Try sound therapy.
Listening to background sounds — such as music, ocean waves, rainfall, or white noise — can help mask or reduce the perception of tinnitus.
Train your brain.
Techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and cognitive strategies can help you shift your focus away from the sound and reduce its impact.
Consider medication.
While there is no specific drug that cures tinnitus, certain medications may help relieve related symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or sleep problems. Always consult your doctor to determine what may be appropriate for you.
Explore complementary therapies.
Some individuals find relief through alternative approaches such as acupuncture or muscle relaxation therapy. If you are considering these options, discuss them with your healthcare provider to ensure they are suitable for your situation.
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Why have I developed tinnitus?
There are many possible causes of tinnitus. It is often a symptom of an underlying condition or injury, but it can also result from factors such as hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, ear infections, stress, aging, or the use of certain medications. In some cases, no clear cause can be identified.
It is important to speak with a doctor if you experience tinnitus, as it may occasionally be a sign of a more serious health issue. A physician — and in some cases an audiologist — can help determine the possible cause and advise you on appropriate treatment or management options.
Do you have questions about tinnitus or ringing in the ears?
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