(BPT) - If you experience a constant ringing in your ears that’s bothersome at best and debilitating at worst, you are far from alone. Tinnitus affects roughly one in five Americans and about 16 million people have serious tinnitus that requires medical attention. It’s also the most common disability for military veterans, since it can be caused by extended exposure to loud noise.

While tinnitus is a common condition, it’s one that can affect each person differently. While the general description involves a ringing in the ears audible only to the person with tinnitus, sufferers also report hearing a hissing, buzzing, whistling, roaring or chirping sound. It also varies in severity – merely an unwelcome distraction for some but completely debilitating for others.

Those who have tinnitus often report trouble sleeping, an inability to concentrate or complete tasks and changes in cognitive ability. If left untreated, tinnitus can lead to extreme stress for sufferers, and can present challenges both at work and at home.