Tinnitus is the name given to the condition of noises 'in the ears' and/or 'in the head' with no external source. Tinnitus noises are described variously as ringing, whistling, buzzing and humming.

The word tinnitus describes the sensation of hearing a noise in the absence of any external sound. This noise may be heard in one ear, both ears or in the middle of the head or it may be difficult to pinpoint its exact location. The noise may be low, medium or  high-pitched. There may be a single noise or two or more components. The noise may be continuous or it may come and go.

What is Habituation?

Our sensory systems are very adaptable. We can get used to sensations on the skin, such as the touch of a spider, that at first, bother us. We can get used to all kinds of smells that on first exposure seem intolerable. We can get used to taste sensations that initially are quite unpalatable.

When we move from a quiet country environment to live on a busy city street we are constantly aware of the traffic noises and believe that we will not be able to live with this constant level of noise. If someone would ask us in 12 months time whether we are bothered by the traffic noise, we would most likely reply that we no longer hear the traffic, unless we pay attention to it.

Some habituation occurs naturally. For example, the carotid artery, the main supply of blood to our brains, runs right next to the inner ear and yet we usually do not hear the pulse or heart sounds that are carried in the artery.