Positive spontaneous auditory phenomena: tinnitus

Abstract

Tinnitus is a common and distressing symptom that is characterized by the perceived sensation of sound in the absence of an external stimulus. Tinnitus can take the form of continuous buzzing, hissing or ringing, or a combination of these or other characteristics. It can be heard in one or both ears, but it can also be referred to the head. Tinnitus can occur intermittently or have a pulsatile character. The intensity of the phantom sound can vary from a subtle noise just above hearing threshold, to high intensity soundswhich cannot be masked by any external noise.