For millions of Australians, tinnitus is more than an occasional annoyance.Some days, the noise never stops for countless people across Australia. A steady hum, buzz, or ring cuts through quiet moments, making focus hard and rest harder. Not just linked to injured ears anymore – scientists now see how deeply the mind shapes this sound experience. Heavy thinking can make ringing in the ears worse. Sound that’s tough to process pushes the brain too hard, which cranks up tension. That extra strain tends to amplify how loud the noise feels. But sharper listening skills may help quiet...