Do you have a noise in your head that nobody else can hear but you? Do you hear constant ringing, whooshing or buzzing sounds which can get so bad they block out all other sounds and drive you to distraction? Are the noises stopping you from sleeping, working and generally preventing you from living your life? If so, you are probably suffering from tinnitus.
Tinnitus is the medical term applied to noises which some people hear either in one or both ears or in their head.
The noise originates inside the ear rather than from an outside source, and it can be difficult to tell exactly where the noise is coming from.
It is a real condition experienced by many people, so if you suffer from tinnitus you are not alone.
The most common noises heard by sufferers include ringing (which is why tinnitus is commonly associated with a ringing in the ears), humming, buzzing, whistling, or noises similar to running water or the 'wooshing' sound heard from a seashell held to the ear.
The noises can be any pitch, and can either be continuous or come and go in intensity and volume.
Tinnitus sufferers can find it difficult to function on a day to day basis due to distraction caused by the noise, which they can find impossible to shut out.
It can also prevent sleep, cause depression and affect quality of life.
Although often dismissed, tinnitus can be a very debilitating condition.
There are different forms of Tinnitus; Pulsatile or Pulsating Tinnitus, when the noises heard in the head appear to beat in time with the pulse.
Tonal Tinnitus, which is the original 'ringing in the ears'; this is usually a continuous sound, of the same pitch and intensity.
A form of tinnitus when the sufferer hears other types of noises, such as beeping, thumping, buzzing or whooshing sounds, or more than one sound at the same time.
A rare form of tinnitus exists where the noises heard may be similar to musical notes or even songs, associated with auditory hallucinations.
A rarer form still is 'Objective Tinnitus', where the noises can be heard by others as well as the sufferer.
Tinnitus is much more common than people realise, with a third of adults reporting tinnitus type symptoms at some point in their lives.
Although it is not a disease and not generally serious, it can cause great distress and impact upon a sufferer's health and well being.
If you suspect you may have tinnitus, consult your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.