Tinnitus Relief Tinnitus is often referred to as "ringing in the ears". The sounds can be many, like hissing, roaring, whistling, clicking, cracking etc. The noise can be continuous or intermittent with single or multi tones; it can be from just annoying to life disrupting and can affect everyone at any age. Hearing loss and vertigo can also be present. There is an estimated 50 million Americans suffering from Tinnitus to some degree.   What causes Tinnitus? Exposure to loud noise is the most common cause. Other causes can include certain medications, diseases of the ear, sinus problems, allergies, and stress, hypertension and possibly other medical conditions.