Tinnitus, commonly known as a loud ringing in the ears, is more common than many people realize. It affects around 2 million people severely enough to disrupt their daily lives. Some common causes of tinnitus include ear infections, exposure to loud noises, buildup of earwax, and high or low blood pressure. Hearing loss is also associated with tinnitus, with around 70% of those with tinnitus also experiencing some hearing loss. Hearing aids are an effective treatment for tinnitus in many cases.