Tinnitus

Synonyms

Ringing in the ears

Definition

Tinnitus is a condition characterized by the perception of sound in the ears or head without the presence of an external source. Tinnitus itself is not a disease, but a symptom that can result from a number of different causes. Sounds heard can manifest in many different ways such as low to high pitched, heard in one or both ears, heard as a single noise or competing noises, or be heard intermittently or continuously. Sounds have been described as ringing, buzzing, blowing, humming, hissing, whooshing, hissing, and whistling among many others. Mild forms of tinnitus are very common and experienced by most people at some point in their lives. More severe forms, however, are less common and can lead to chronic sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression.

Description

Tinnitus is generally categorized into two types: subjective tinnitus and objective tinnitus. Objective tinnitus is the less common of the two types, and sound is not only heard by the...