Tinnitus — the perception of sound (like ringing, buzzing, or hissing) in the absence of an external source — is not just an ear problem; it’s closely connected to how the brain processes sound.
It can affect one or both ears, and the sound can be constant or intermittent, loud or soft, and mildly annoying to severely disabling.
Tinnitus can have a profound effect on the brain, especially when it’s chronic or severe. Although tinnitus starts in the ears, its ongoing perception and impact are mainly due to how the brain reacts and adapts to the abnormal signals.