Tinnitus Sounds- What Does Tinnitus Sound Like?

The sounds heard by Tinnitus sufferers can vary widely and differ from individual to individual. A noise heard by one person may be heard entirely differently by another. Often sufferers will hear more than one sound at a time, and Tinnitus sounds may vary in intensity and volume.

The most common Tinnitus sounds reported are;

Ringing- usually a continuous high pitched note, which is why Tinnitus is sometimes referred to as ‘Ringing in the ears’. This can resemble the high pitched ringing sound emitted by some electrical equipment such as television sets.

Buzzing, whistling, hissing and humming sounds are also commonly heard.

Other sufferers report sounds like rushing water, wooshing type noises or the sound made by a seashell held close to the ear.

Others still hear sounds resembling chirping noises, roaring, fluttering or noises resembling a chainsaw. Rarer still are sufferers who hear sounds resembling musical notes or Morse code.

Sounds which appear to beat in time with the pulse are known as ‘Pulsating Tinnitus’. Tinnitus sounds can also worsen if the sufferer is under stress or undertaking physical activity.

Different sounds heard can give a clue to the cause of the tinnitus; the ringing and buzzing noises may be linked with inner ear damage which may be triggered by exposure to noise. Whooshing or roaring noises may indicate stress induced Tinnitus.

Tinnitus sounds are most commonly heard in both ears, but some sufferers report hearing the sounds in one ear only.