Have you ever heard that ringing in your ears? That’s tinnitus! Tinnitus is any constant noise in the ear. Most people will experience temporary tinnitus now and then, however, chronic tinnitus is consistent and maladaptive. The most common sound is ringing but people may also hear buzzing, clicking, or hissing. Tinnitus can be subjective, only heard by the affected person, or objective, able to be heard by the affected person and an examiner using a stethoscope. 

Stereocilia damage can be detected through hearing loss which most commonly results from ear damage or age. However, many underlying ailments can also lead to stereocilia damage: ear infections, excess wax, hearing loss due to age, or head injury. Diseases such as Meniere disease (an inner ear disorder), Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ), and diabetes have also been linked to tinnitus. Tinnitus can be exacerbated by excess caffeine, alcohol, and smoking.