Tinnitus is the perception of sound
within the ear in the absence of corresponding external sound. Most
people who suffer from tinnitus usually describe it as a ringing
noise in the ear, it can also be a high pitched whining, buzzing,
hissing, screaming and humming among others. Tinnitus can be
perceived in one or both ears and sometimes even in the head. It
can be intermittent or continuous. The sounds that the patient may
hear can be just a low background noise and in some it can be loud
enough to be heard over other external sounds. In all cases of
people suffering from tinnitus, these sounds can cause great
anxiety and distress.