About Tinnitus

Put simply, tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head where no external source is present. Some call it "ringing in the ears" or "head noise."

You may be new to the experience of tinnitus, or you may have been suffering with it for a long time. Perhaps you know someone with the problem. For all of you, we have plenty of information that will help you understand and cope with this bedeviling condition.

Pronouncing the Problem

TINNITUS is pronounced either ti-NIGHT-us or TIN-i-tus. Both pronunciations are correct; the American Tinnitus Association uses ti-NIGHT-us. The word is of Latin origin, meaning "to ring or tinkle like a bell."

The Experience and Sounds of Tinnitus 

In almost all cases, tinnitus is a subjective noise, meaning that only the person who has tinnitus can hear it. People describe hearing different sounds: ringing, hissing, static, crickets, screeching, whooshing, roaring, pulsing, ocean waves, buzzing, dial tones, even music. Click the sound button below to hear the most common sound of tinnitus or visit free downloads for more tinnitus sounds.
Please turn down your speakers or headphones before playing any sound.

ATA has a very informative CD titled Sounds of Tinnitus. featuring legendary actor Peter Graves – longtime ATA member & honorary board member – and audiologist Donna Wayner, Ph.D. Track One includes a conversation that answers many questions about tinnitus. Track Two presents tinnitus-like sounds to help you demonstrate your condition to others.

Protect Yourself from Tinnitus

Read about the risks of loud noise and how you can avoid damage to your ears. Read more about how Life Can Be Loud - Remember Your Hearing Protection and how to properly insert and wear ear plugs. 

Information for Tinnitus Patients

We believe that understanding your condition will help you know your options, learn new coping skills and feel more positive about your future. 

Information for Musicians and Music Lovers

Music is both magical and menacing. For many people, loud music causes tinnitus. Most at risk are: Music lovers with the volume cranked up on their MP3 players, home or car stereo systems or CD players.

If you play or listen to music, you are risk.

Many world-renowned musicians including Al Di Meola, Liberty DeVitto, Pete Townsend, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins and many others have become very public about their tinnitus in recent years. But tinnitus does not have to stop your music career. In ATA's June 2007 issue of Tinnitus Today Al Di Meola and Liberty DeVitto discuss their personal struggles with tinnitus and how Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) has affected their lives and careers.

Information for Professionals

We used to think that tinnitus was something patients had to "get used to." We now know that there is much more to understand and do about this problem. With exciting research, and resources like ATA, you can help your patients improve the quality of their lives by helping them manage their tinnitus. Read our information for professionals. Also, take a look at our new Professional Membership Program. Its expansive benefits will educate you and assist you in caring for those suffering with tinnitus. 

Resources

Feel like only you have tinnitus? Want to get in touch with others who are struggling? Take a look at our resources section for additional information.