Abstract

Tinnitus is a condition with many causes, which is experienced as noises such as a ringing, hissing or booming in one or both ears. The condition has physical, psychological and social effects that can become distressing and severely disrupt the lives and personalities of tinnitus sufferers. In Australia, it is estimated that 11 per cent of the population has tinnitus, while a total of 18 per cent of the population has had tinnitus at some stage.