Tinnitus, also called "ringing in the ears," is common, affecting nearly 36 million Americans. The sounds can vary in pitch from a low roar to a high squeal or whine, and can be present in one ear or both. The ringing may be occasional or constant. Most tinnitus comes from damage to the microscopic endings of the hearing nerve in the inner ear. The condition may be caused by advancing age, allergy, high or low blood pressure (blood circulation problems), a tumor, diabetes, thyroid problems, injury to the head or neck, and a variety of other causes including medications such as anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, sedatives, antidepressants, and aspirin. In most cases, there is no specific treatment for ear and head noise. If your otolaryngologist finds a specific cause of your tinnitus, he or she may be able to eliminate the noise.Occasionally, medicine may help the noise. The medications used are varied, and several may be tried to see if they help.