A ringing, buzzing, whistling, hissing or other noise, heard in the ear in the absence of environmental noise.

Tinnitus, from the Latin word "tinnire," meaning to ring or tinkle like a bell, is a hearing ailment that affects over 35 million Americans. Most often, it affects people over the age of 40, but it is now being seen more frequently in young people who are exposed to loud, amplified music.

Tinnitus is characterized by annoying ear noises, which can be soft as a whistle or loud enough to...