It’s not uncommon to hear ringing, buzzing, humming or hissing sounds that can’t be heard by anyone else. The medical term for these symptoms is tinnitus. The sounds may affect both ears, or just one. If you’re lucky, they’re a temporary or intermittent problem, but for some people they can be more severe, affecting their daily lives.

2019 figures from the British Tinnitus Association suggested that persistent tinnitus affects 1 in 8 people. Occasional ringing in the ears is nothing to worry about. It’s when it lasts for longer than a few minutes that you may wish to consult a GP. Bear in mind that tinnitus itself isn’t actually a disease. The sounds are symptoms of other disorders and health conditions.

Where does it come from? Does it get worse with age? Are there any treatments for permanent tinnitus? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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