Tinnitus       What Is Tinnitus Tinnitus, is a ringing, swishing, buzzing, or other type of noise that seems to originate in the ear or head.  The sound may seem to come from one ear or both, from inside the head, or from a distance. It may be constant or intermittent, steady or pulsating. Most tinnitus is subjective, meaning that only you can hear the noise, while those around you cannot. Chronic tinnitus, which many veterans suffer from, is present frequently or continuously. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders defines chronic tinnitus as occurring for more than three months. What Veterans May Be Affected Combat veterans Veterans who worked around military aircraft Veterans who worked around motor engines on ground and at sea   [ Back ]