Do most people have tinnitus in both ears or only one? Fifty years ago I was in a car accident, my head cracked windshield and have know since then I have several tilted discs in my neck. I believe I'm in the early stages of tinnitus, yet it's not as sunny1971 describes. I've hear a sound like running water or an airconditoner running. It's only in my left ear and has the rhythm of my pulse. To begin with I would get up at night searching for what was making this sound. I only notice this at night.