Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing a sound that isn’t actually present. It can be frustrating, distressing, and sometimes difficult to live with. The sounds people with tinnitus hear vary widely, and the condition can be caused by many different factors. Understanding the different types of tinnitus and their symptoms can help you identify what you’re experiencing and seek proper treatment.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is not a disease itself but a symptom of an underlying issue. It can sound like ringing, buzzing, hissing, or even a whooshing noise. These sounds may be constant or intermittent, and they can affect one or both ears. The intensity can vary, and in some cases, tinnitus can be so loud that it interferes with daily life.

Types of Tinnitus

1. Subjective Tinnitus

This is the most common type of tinnitus, where the person hears a sound, but no one else can hear it. It’s subjective because it exists only in the person’s perception. The sound may be high-pitched or low-pitched and may change in intensity throughout the day.

Symptoms:

• Persistent ringing or buzzing in the ear.
• Sounds that worsen in quiet environments.
• In some cases, it may be accompanied by hearing loss.

1. Objective Tinnitus

Objective tinnitus is much rarer. In this type, the sounds are audible to both the person and a healthcare professional during an examination. These sounds can be caused by physical issues such as blood vessel problems or muscle spasms.

Symptoms:

• Sounds that can be heard by a doctor using special instruments.
• Pulsatile tinnitus, where the sound matches the heartbeat.

1. Pulsatile Tinnitus

Pulsatile tinnitus is a type of tinnitus that causes a rhythmic sound in the ear, often resembling a heartbeat or a pulse. This is usually caused by blood flow issues near the ear, such as high blood pressure or vascular malformations.

Symptoms:

• A heartbeat-like sound in one or both ears.