Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of an external stimulus, often described as a hissing, humming, ringing, buzzing or roaring sound heard in one or both ears or somewhere in the head. Often a symptom of hearing loss or other ear-related problems caused by noise exposure, aging, ear infections, ear wax, medications, head injury, etc., tinnitus affects tens of millions of children and adults in Canada and the US alone. People with tinnitus are likely to report greater stress, irritability, anxiety, and depression and some studies have found tinnitus can alter the way the mind processes emotions.
