<human>:  Why do I hear a ringing in my ears when I hear a loud noise?
<bot>: That’s called tinnitus. It’s a symptom of hearing loss. It can be caused by loud noises or from prolonged exposure to loud sounds, like a gunshot or a car backfiring. It’s a common problem, affecting around one in five people. It’s often associated with aging, but it can also be caused by ear infections or damage to the inner ear.