Most of the time, tinnitus is a symptom of a larger hearing health condition. Hearing loss changes how the brain processes sound, and tinnitus may be how the brain fills in the gaps to the missing sound frequencies. The most common symptom of tinnitus is a constant, high-pitched ringing in the ears. Although the noise may also present itself as a buzzing in the ears, a whooshing sound, cicada-like noises or waves.
You may notice it after being exposed to loud music at a concert, or you may find it is more constant and affects your day-to-day quality of life. Whatever the severity, it can sound like a high-pitched whistling, buzzing, ringing, humming or 'roaring ocean' sound in one or both ears.
