OGM I have had a ringing sound in my rt. ear since I was 26 and over the years I have learned to live with it. although from time to time it does get on top of me. Last year another sound appeared - a boom-boom which is the sound of my pulse and b...y annoying it is too! The consultant I saw yesterday says the bone in the skull/ear gradually thins with age and the noise I can hear is probably from the carotid artery which passes very close to the ear canal; says if it is that, then there is nothing to be done - apart from getting used to it - again. I am to have an MRI scan to discount a burst blood vessel in the head which could have the same effect, but he is pretty sure it isn't that. You have my sympathy as does anyone who suffers with this 'silent' complaint; I think it just becomes mind over matter, although when tired, stressed, over indulged in alcohol or suffering a cold, it gets worse. Night time is bad as there's no external noise (apart from MrG's snoring!!), especially if I can't get to sleep easily. Luckily, my hearing seems to be ok 'for my age'