Why Tinnitus Sounds Different from Person to Person

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. While many people describe it as
“ringing in the ears”, the reality is much more varied. Patients at California Hearing Center
describe tinnitus as:

• Sharp, high-pitched ringing or whistling
• Low rumbling, roaring, or whooshing
• Soft hissing, static, or air escaping
• Buzzing, humming, or “electrical” noises
• Pulsing or thumping that matches the heartbeat
• Occasional musical tones or melody-like sounds

The way tinnitus sounds can give your audiologist important clues about possible causes and the
best treatment options. That’s why we ask detailed questions
about your tinnitus during a tinnitus evaluation.

If you haven’t already, start with our overview: What is Tinnitus?

High-Pitched Ringing or Whistling

This is the most common type of tinnitus sound. Patients often describe it as:

• A constant or fluctuating high-pitched tone
• A whistling or “tea kettle” sound
• Ringing that gets louder in quiet rooms

High-pitched tinnitus is frequently associated with:

• Hearing loss related to aging or noise exposure
• Past exposure to loud concerts, tools, or headphones
• Inner ear damage from sudden loud sounds

When hearing loss is present, the brain receives less sound in certain frequency ranges. In response, it may
generate a phantom tone in those same frequency regions. This is why
hearing aids for tinnitus are often so helpful—they restore missing
sound and reduce the contrast of the ringing.

Buzzing, Humming & Electrical Noises

Some people don’t hear a pure tone at all. Instead, tinnitus may sound like:

• A constant low or mid-pitched hum
• Electrical buzzing, like a power line or fluorescent light
• An engine idling in the distance

Buzzing or humming tinnitus can occur with:

• Noise-induced hearing loss
• Exposure to machinery or engine noise
• Earwax buildup or middle ear issues

Because these sounds are often broad and “fuzzy,” many patients benefit from
broadband sound therapy (like soft fan noise, gentle rain, or ocean waves)
and habituation-based treatment.

Hissing, Static & White Noise Tinnitus

Another very common description is hissing, static, or a gentle “air leak” sound, similar to:

• Radio static between stations
• Air escaping from a tire
• A shower running in the next room

Hissing tinnitus is frequently linked with high-frequency hearing loss. Many patients in the Bay Area first
notice it:

• At bedtime, when the house is quiet
• In quiet offices or while reading
• After long days of concentration and listening effort

This type of tinnitus often blends very well with soft background sounds, which makes
sleep strategies and sound enrichment especially effective.

Roaring & Low-Frequency Tinnitus

Less commonly, tinnitus can sound like low-frequency roaring, rushing, or “ocean” noise:

• Deep rumble like distant thunder
• Ocean waves or “sea shell” sounds
• Low-frequency vibration or pressure

This pattern can sometimes be associated with:

• Fluctuating inner ear conditions, including Meniere’s disease
• Middle ear fluid or pressure problems
• Eustachian tube dysfunction

Because roaring tinnitus can sometimes signal a medical condition, it is important to have a
hearing evaluation and, when appropriate, an ENT consultation.
Our team can guide you through this process.

Pulsatile “Whooshing” Tinnitus

Pulsatile tinnitus is a rhythmic sound that often matches your heartbeat. Many people describe it as:

• Whooshing, thumping, or swooshing in time with the pulse
• A muffled “drum” or pumping noise in one ear or both
• A sound that changes when you turn your head or lie down

Pulsatile tinnitus is often related to blood flow or vascular changes near the ear or skull.
It can also be associated with changes in pressure within the head or neck.

Learn more in our focused article:
What is Pulsatile Tinnitus? or, if you’re hearing a “whooshing” sound,
visit our patient guide:
Why Am I Hearing a Whooshing Sound in My Ear?

Somatic & TMJ-Related Tinnitus

Somatic tinnitus is tinnitus that changes when you move your body—especially your jaw, neck, or eyes.
People often notice that their tinnitus:

• Gets louder or softer when they clench their jaw or move their neck
• Changes pitch when they press on their face or temple
• Flares with neck or shoulder tension

This type is commonly associated with:

• TMJ disorders and jaw clenching
• Neck injuries or muscle tension
• Poor posture at a desk or computer

Somatic tinnitus often responds best to a team approach: audiology care combined with
TMJ treatment, physical therapy, or other musculoskeletal care. Our clinicians can help coordinate the
right referrals while supporting you with sound therapy and counseling.

Musical & Tonal Tinnitus

Musical tinnitus (also called musical ear syndrome) is a rarer form of tinnitus in which people
perceive melodies, songs, or rhythmic patterns instead of simple noise or tones. Others experience:

• Clear, repeated tunes or fragments of songs
• Patterns that seem to “loop” in the background
• Layered tones that feel more like music than noise

Tonal tinnitus can also present as:

• One or more distinct tones at different pitches
• Sounds that shift in pitch when you move your head
• Multiple tones like a chord or harmony

Musical tinnitus is more common in older adults with
significant hearing loss and often improves with a combination
of hearing aids, sound therapy,
and counseling focused on habituation.

Which Type of Tinnitus Do I Have?

Many people don’t fit neatly into just one category. You might notice:

• High-pitched ringing plus a low hum
• Hissing that becomes more noticeable when you’re stressed
• A constant tone with occasional pulsatile overlay

The exact sound you notice can also change over time, especially if:

• Your hearing changes
• You’re under more or less stress
• You’re exposed to new medications or illnesses

During a tinnitus evaluation, we’ll ask detailed questions about:

• What your tinnitus sounds like (and how often it changes)
• Which ear (or both) it affects — see Tinnitus in One Ear vs Both Ears
• What makes it louder or softer
• How it impacts sleep, mood, and concentration

That information, combined with your hearing test and medical history, helps us build a
personalized treatment plan.

Next Steps: From Sound Type to Treatment Plan

Understanding the type of sound you hear is only the first step. The next step is figuring out:

• What might be causing your tinnitus
• Whether it is likely to be temporary or permanent
• Which treatments are most likely to help you

Helpful next articles:

• Tinnitus Causes & Triggers
• When to See a Doctor About Tinnitus
• Can Tinnitus Go Away on Its Own?
• Best Tinnitus Relief Apps

If your tinnitus is affecting your sleep, work, or peace of mind, you don’t have to figure it out alone. A
comprehensive evaluation with our Bay Area tinnitus team is the best way to translate “what I hear” into
a clear path forward.