What are the symptoms of tinnitus?

People who suffer from tinnitus have varying symptoms, but often describe the sounds they perceive in one of three ways:  

• Tonal – a continuous sound with well-defined frequencies 
• Pulsatile – a pulsing sound, like that of a heartbeat 
• Musical – a music or singing sound on a continuous loop  

Tinnitus symptoms can have a grave effect on one’s daily life, and as a result may cause secondary symptoms of depression, anxiety, mood swings, irritability, and pain. For some people, tinnitus also affects sleep and concentration, or their ability to work and socialize.