Tinnitus is hearing ringing, buzzing, or other sounds without an external
cause. Patients may experience tinnitus in one or both ears or in the head.

There are two types of tinnitus, objective and subjective.  You and your
doctor will both be able to hear objective tinnitus, the cause can usually
be identified and there are specific treatments for the various
sub-categories of objective tinnitus.

Subjective tinnitus, on the other hand, can only be heard by the victim.  In
my case, I've had subjective tinnitus for seven or eight years now and have
experienced a few brief episodes of objective tinnitus.  Have experience
both, I know there is a marked difference in the nature of the sound I hear
from each type.  In fact, a physical sensation has accompanied both episodes
of objective tinnitus.

Frankly, I believe the differences between objective and subjective tinnitus
are such that objective tinnitus should be renamed and the definition of
tinnitus broadened to include only sounds that cannot be heard by one's
doctor.  I believe this because over the years I've read the description of
the sound heard by people who have come to this group for help.  In some of
these cases it was easy for me to tell which type of tinnitus they were
experiencing.  Sometimes I was dismayed to read all manner of suggestions to
those suffering from objective tinnitus which were only applicable to those
who had subjective tinnitus.  For example, TRT treats subjective tinnitus
only.

From what I've experienced, tinnitus described as sounding like escaping
steam, crickets or ringing is invariably subjective.  Tinnitus described as
buzzing, vibrating or pulsating is invariably objective.  I would appreciate
knowing if Howard and Murray agree with me on this.

Bill