Tinnitus—the perception of sound when no external sound is present—affects an estimated 50 million Americans. For most, it’s a mild annoyance. But for millions more, it’s a constant companion that interferes with sleep, concentration, and quality of life.
Here’s what I wish I’d known before I heard that first ring. What tinnitus really means, what causes it, when it’s serious, and what you can actually do about it.
What Is Tinnitus? (Beyond “Ringing in the Ears”)
Tinnitus isn’t a disease. It’s a symptom. Like a fever or a cough, it’s your body telling you something else is going on.
