Tinnitus, commonly known as ringing in the ears, is the sensation of noise or buzzing in the ears without any external stimulus or actual external noise, caused by factors such as earwax, exposure to loud noise, a foreign object in the ear, inflammation, or fluid buildup in the middle and inner ear. These sounds can resemble whistling, water, or wind noise, and can range from mild to severe.

While tinnitus may not be directly harmful to the individual, the underlying cause of tinnitus needs to be determined, as it can be detrimental depending on the cause. Therefore, every tinnitus patient should be investigated to determine the underlying cause. If no underlying cause is found, the tinnitus can be considered a health threat. Consequently, if the patient's anxiety is alleviated, they may eventually cease to perceive the tinnitus. However, if there is an underlying medical cause, treatment may be necessary.

For some people, tinnitus can cause very serious psychological effects, including depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, and sleep problems. These patients require treatment and may also require psychiatric support.