Tinnitus affects millions globally with varying severity

Tinnitus, the sensation of hearing sounds such as ringing, buzzing, or roaring without an external source, affects a significant portion of the global population. It is estimated that 10% to 25% of people experience tinnitus episodes at some point in their lives. Approximately 9.8% of the population suffers from chronic tinnitus, while 1% to 2% experience severe or disabling symptoms.

Prevalence is high, affecting an estimated 740 million adults, with 120 million individuals over the age of 65 identifying it as a major problem. Tinnitus can be subjective, heard only by the individual, or objective, where a medical professional can detect the sounds during a physical examination.

Common causes include hearing loss, smoking, vascular conditions, and injuries to the head or neck. Certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, and some antidepressants, may also cause or worsen the condition. The phenomenon can alter how the brain processes sound, emotion, and attention due to neuronal overcompensation following the loss of auditory cells.