Individuals with tinnitus may experience different types of sounds and varying levels of severity. The common symptoms include:
- Phantom Sounds: The most frequent symptom involves hearing sounds without external sources. These can include ringing, buzzing, clicking, hissing, or roaring noises.
- Sound Pattern Changes: The perceived sounds may be constant or intermittent, with volume levels that fluctuate throughout the day or in different environments.
- Hearing Difficulties: Some individuals experience difficulty hearing actual sounds or conversations, particularly when background noise is present.
- Sleep Disturbances: The phantom sounds often become more noticeable in quiet environments, leading to difficulties falling or staying asleep.
- Concentration Issues: The persistent sounds can interfere with focus and attention during daily tasks or work activities.