A doctor has finally explained what the random ringing noise in our ear is - and it's a surprisingly common occurrence.
It often comes out of nowhere and can feel quite alarming, at first.
You'll be doing the dishes or watching TV, minding your own business, then it hits you all of a sudden.
Taking to TikTok, a medical professional has since claimed that '75 percent of people' have experienced this at least once in their lifetime, so don't worry - it's not just you.
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Dr Kunal Sood, MD, who practices in the US, has a significant following on social media and was responding to a viral clip with the caption: "When you're going about your business and your ear does that thing."
On what the ringing noise probably is, he said: "This is the human equivalent of going offline.
"Have you ever experienced this? Transient ear noise, also called 'SBUTT', which stands for 'sudden brief unilateral transient tinnitus'.
"Thankfully, it does not mean something bad is going on, and it is pretty common with over 75 percent of people experiencing this at some point in their life."
According to the doctor, you might think of it as a 'random twitching of your ear', however, sleep deprivation, stress, caffeine, or infection are all possible risk factors of SBUTT.
"It usually lasts for less than a minute." he continues to say.
"But if it occurs more frequently, or for a longer duration, it could be a sign of something more serious. At that point, please see your doctor."
People in the comments were stunned, as one person wrote: "This whole time I thought it was my spirit guides trying to get my attention."
Another quipped: "My brain must be rebooting often lol."
"We always thought that happened when someone was talking bad about you," a third penned.
While someone else said: "I've dealt with it at least once or twice in the past year, and in my case it was due to severe stress.
"Along with it, I also had what felt like my ear drum vibrating intensely.
How to check if you have tinnitus
According to the NHS, tinnitus can sound like a ringing or hissing noise in the ear. It also can cause your ear to throb.
See a GP if:
- symptoms are regular or are getting worse
- tinnitus is bothering youth the point that it's affecting your sleep or concentration
How to cope with tinnitus
- think about taking up yoga to relax
- try to cut down on caffeine and come up with a more effective sleep routine that works for you
- try to avoid stress or loud background noises when you can
- talk to others who are going through the same thing
Anish Vij