The effect of tinnitus on life can be dramatic. At one time or another, almost everyone experiences tinnitus or ringing of the ears. According to the American Tinnitus Association, it is estimated that around 50 million people around the country experience this condition. Ringing in the ears can be continual or it can be intermittent. Some sufferers only notice the condition when it is quiet, such as at nighttime, when there are no other sounds to cover the buzzing or the ringing.

The condition can vary widely among individuals. For example, some people may experience it only in one ear while others suffer from it in both ears. It may be extremely loud or it may be quite faint. The manner in which it is experienced can dictate the effect that it has on one's life. In the mildest form, tinnitus may only seem to be a slight annoyance. At its most severe, it can be very upsetting and stressful. It can even become debilitating.

Individuals who suffer from severe tinnitus may find they have difficulty sleeping at night, resulting in sleep deprivation. This can have an impact on every other area of their life, resulting in damage to their overall physical and mental health. Tinnitus can make it difficult to function properly at work and can even impact one's interactions with friends and family members. Just the day to day struggle of trying to cope with the continual ringing or buzzing in the ears, while at the same time attempting to focus on occupational and family responsibilities, can be overwhelming.

The effects of this condition are often devastating for those who suffer from it. The quality of one's life can diminish greatly as a result of tinnitus without proper treatment and an effective solution.