Mine started when I was around 12. I drove a neighbour's Oliver something that had a whining rear end. I've always heard the ringing since. It got a lot worse about a year ago after a U2 concert. The crowd noise is what bothered me. It was so loud the crowd seemed to cut in and out (clipping in audio terms, I think).

I end up putting the tv on timer at night so I can get to sleep. I finally had my family doctor refer me to a specialist. We'll see what happens.