Tinnitus or ear ringing is a condition that gives the sensation of ringing, swishing, buzzing, whining, hissing or other type of noise that appears to originate from the ear or head.  It is a symptom of an underlying problem such as ear infections, nose allergies and wax build-up.  It can also be caused by hearing loss due to age or noise damage.  It is relatively common, affecting roughly 20% of the population between 55 and 65. 

Tinnitus can be objective or subjective.  The former refers to sounds that actually exists in their body resulting from muscle spasm, altered blood flow or increased blood turbulence near the ear.  The latter refers to noise that is not physically existing in the body.  It may be associated with noise-induced hearing loss, or drug side effects.