If you hear ringing in your ear, this is a sign that you will suffer from

tinnitus. The most common type is subjective, meaning only the person experiencing it can hear the sound. A much rarer type, objective tinnitus, can sometimes be detected by a doctor and is often linked to physical causes in the body.

Although tinnitus is common and often harmless, certain signs shouldn’t be ignored. Sudden onset, hearing loss, dizziness, or a pulsing sound may indicate an underlying issue that needs medical attention.

There’s no universal cure, but many cases improve over time or become easier to manage. Understanding what tinnitus is—and what