Tinnitus is the term for noises such as buzzing, ringing, or hissing that originate within the ear rather than externally. It is commonly associated with hearing loss and can also occur as a symptom of ear disorders, such as labyrinthitis, Ménière’s disease, otitis media, or earwax blockage.
It may also be caused by certain medications, such as aspirin.
Tinnitus may improve if the underlying cause can be treated. Otherwise, listening to background sounds, using a tinnitus masker (a device that produces white noise), counseling, psychotherapy, or tinnitus retraining (altering how the brain responds to tinnitus) may help