Tinnitus usually is a symptom of some other underlying condition, the Mayo Clinic states. It is characterized by phantom noises in the ears and can be a precursor to a loss of hearing. For some people, it may be a minor annoyance, while for others it can drown out everyday sounds and interfere with how you function in your life. Because it can be a warning sign of a loss of hearing, if you think you have tinnitus, see a doctor, the Mayo Clinic recommends.
Noises
The symptoms of tinnitus that should send you to your physician all involve noises in your ears that are not produced by an external source. This can occur in both ears or in only one. They can range from a high-pitched squeal to a low-pitched roar, reports the Mayo Clinic. The types of noises involved can include hissing, ringing, whistling, buzzing, clicking or roaring. These sounds, depending on the severity, can cause concentration difficulties. They also may come and go for some people, or be continuous for others.
Subjective
In most people, tinnitus is a subjective experience. Other people will not hear the noises because they are caused by problems with your auditory nerves in the inner ear, middle ear or outer ear. A symptom of subjective tinnitus is when you hear noises that other people do not. The noises will be continual. If tinnitus occurs while you have an infection of your respiratory system, including a cold, and it does not disappear when your infection is gone, check with your physician and ask her to examine your ears. If tinnitus occurs suddenly and no cause is apparent, or if you experience dizziness while the tinnitus occurs, contact your doctor immediately. Another symptom is a loss of hearing that may be sudden.
Objective
Tinnitus sometimes manifests as noises that can be heard by a physician who is examining your ears. Objective tinnitus may have different causes than subjective tinnitus; it may be caused by a problem with your muscles, a condition in the bones of the ear or via a blood vessel issue, reports the Mayo Clinic.
