tinnitus is the medical term for "ringing in the ears". not just ringing tinnitus can also be heard as a buzzing roaring hissing clicking high-pitched whining low-pitched hums or even pulsing like the heart. it is estimated that over 35 million people in the united states have tinnitus. tinnitus is really not a disease but a symptom — a symptom of many common medical problems such as ear infections wax impactions noise exposure tmj (temporomandibular joint) disorders or even a side effect of certain medications like aspirin ibuprofen caffeine or birth control pills. tinnitus may also be a symptom of more serious illnesses like high blood pressure anxiety/depression diabetes thyroid disorders ménière's disease blood vessel disorders or tumors. finding a cause of tinnitus can be simple or it may require extensive diagnostic tests like an mri or cat scan. in many cases a cause is never found — a fact that frustrates many tinnitus sufferers and their medical providers. if your symptoms continue you need to see your medical provider or an ent specialist so that you can be properly examined diagnosed and treated.
if you hear a high or low-pitched noise and then the sounds around you begin to fade away is that considered tinnitus?