Mayo Clinic Radio: Tinnitus and age-related hearing loss

Tinnitus (TIN-ih-tus) is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. Tinnitus is a common problem that affects about 1 in 5 people. It may affect one or both ears. The noise or ringing may be present all the time, or it may come and go. Although it can worsen with age, for many people, tinnitus can improve with treatment. Treating an identified underlying cause sometimes helps. Other treatments reduce or mask the noise, making tinnitus less noticeable.