Tinnitus: What It Is and What to Do Next

Tinnitus is the perception of sound without an external source. It can occur with hearing loss and has many possible contexts.

Evaluation matters

Because tinnitus is a symptom rather than one single disease, appropriate evaluation can matter—particularly for new, one-sided, pulsatile, sudden or otherwise concerning symptoms.

Management is individualized

NIDCD describes sound-based devices, counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy and tinnitus retraining therapy among approaches used to reduce tinnitus impact. It also notes that supplements advertised as cures have not been proven effective.

See hearing loss vs tinnitus and our hearing test guide.