Ringing in the ear is one of the primary symptoms of tinnitus . Tinnitus being a condition which commonly affects about a fifth of the population aged 55 or over. This ringing in the ear may only be temporary but is often chronic. Sometimes it can be a symptom of an underlying health issue but in most cases no cause for the sounds of tinnitus are ever identified. However, even when no specific cause is found for tinnitus it can often be treated effectively.

The sounds of tinnitus may be present in just one or in both ears. Sufferers often describe them as coming from somewhere in the head rather than specifically coming from an ear. Patients describe the noise in many different ways. Ringing, whining or buzzing are amongst the most common descriptions. Some say that it sounds like hissing, humming, screaming or whistling. A few people report a ticking or clicking noise reminiscent of the sound of frogs or locusts.

In some instances steady tones are heard. These are very similar to the tones used during a hearing test. Because of that it can appear that there is a hearing loss when a hearing test is undertaken.

The sounds of tinnitus can be loud enough to interfere with hearing and day to day activities. More usually however, it is more bothersome in the quiet of the night or in a quiet room. Tinnitus always makes its presents felt when there is no outside noise to occupy the senses of the sufferer.

An interesting study conducted in 1953 revealed that most people hear phantom noises in very quiet rooms. 100 tinnitus-free university students participated in the study.93% of them reported hearing a buzzing, pulsing or whistling sound whilst inside a sound-free anechoic chamber.

This indicates just how common a ringing in the ear is. It is only when it interferes with sleep or causes an irritation that it needs to be treated. Insomnia, daytime fatigue and clinical depression are sometimes symptomatic of tinnitus where the sufferer finds the noise interrupts their normal sleep patterns.

Before assuming that the sound you are hearing is a phantom sound it is worth ruling out any possibility that it is a real sound. Rule out the obvious but then check for the not so obvious. The electromagnetic fields created by overhead power lines as well as the wiring in your home can initiate a high pitched sound which appears to come from nowhere. It is definitely worth checking whether the noise follows you into different places and situations.

If you satisfy yourself that your noises are in fact the sounds of tinnitus and are not coming from any external source, don't be discouraged because there are safe and effective treatments to help relieve the symptoms of tinnitus.

As with any medical condition the first port of call must always be a doctor. Although he is likely to tell you that there is no known cure for tinnitus be assured that there is a lot that you can do to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of tinnitus.

Having eliminated any physical cause such as perhaps a build up of ear wax the search for your personal tinnitus liberation should start by taking a look at your lifestyle. Stress is a known cause of tinnitus and it is important to actively seek to reduce any stress in your life.

Experimenting with some dietary changes may prove useful. Caffeine, salt and alcohol can play a part in exacerbating tinnitus and reducing or eliminating their intake may have a dramatic effect for you. Lifestyle factors that can worsen the condition include spending time in noisy environments and smoking cigarettes. It is worth keeping a diary of your efforts here so that you can see what if any effect each action has for you.

The search for a release from the causes of tinnitus can be a long journey. Staying positive and keeping an open mind will be your key to success. It is worth bearing in mind that what works for one tinnitus sufferer will do nothing for another. But, the converse is also true.