tinnitus

noun tin·ni·tus \ ˈti-nə-təs , tə-ˈnī-təs \

|Updated on: 16 Jun 2018

Definition of tinnitus

: a sensation of noise (such as a ringing or roaring) that is typically caused by a bodily condition (such as a disturbance of the auditory nerve or wax in the ear) and usually is of the subjective form which can only be heard by the one affected

See tinnitus defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of tinnitus from the Web

Symptoms to be attentive for include dizziness, headaches, tinnitus, fatigue, cognitive issues, visual problems, ear complaints and hearing loss, and difficulty sleeping.

— beth mole, Ars Technica, "US pulls two more from Cuba amid puzzling health cases now affecting China," 11 June 2018
In addition to concussions and hearing loss, other symptoms associated with the mysterious auditory sensations are dizziness, headaches, tinnitus, fatigue, cognitive issues, visual problems, ear complaints and difficulty sleeping.

— mimi whitefield, miamiherald, "U.S. sets up task force to investigate diplomatic health incidents in Cuba and China," 5 June 2018
According to online websites on ear diseases, Meniere's can cause pressure or pain in the ear, severe cases of dizziness or vertigo, hearing loss and a ringing or roaring noise known as tinnitus.

— maria puente, USA TODAY, "Huey Lewis says he's lost most of his hearing: 'I can't hear music well enough to sing'," 13 Apr. 2018
People with Meniere's will have sudden dizzy spells after experiencing tinnitus or muffled hearing, although symptoms can vary.

— maria puente, USA TODAY, "Huey Lewis says he's lost most of his hearing: 'I can't hear music well enough to sing'," 13 Apr. 2018
Predictions vary as to their sources, ranging from environmental features to mechanical sources, radio towers, psychological issues, and tinnitus, a persistent ringing in the ear.

— beth mole, Ars Technica, "This Canadian city is plagued by an obnoxious humming—and it’s getting worse," 20 Feb. 2018
The Real Cost of Going to Coachella Clapton is far from the only rock hero afflicted with tinnitus.

— people staff, PEOPLE.com, "Eric Clapton Reveals He's Losing His Hearing, Suffering from Tinnitus," 10 Jan. 2018
Among the symptoms reported by the embassy personnel are sharp ear pain, dull headaches, tinnitus, vertigo, disorientation, nausea and extreme fatigue.

— gardiner harris, New York Times, "U.S. to Open Formal Inquiry on Americans Sickened in Cuba," 9 Jan. 2018
About 70 diplomats were evaluated for symptoms ranging from hearing loss, tinnitus, disequilibrium, headaches, facial and abdominal pain, memory and sleep disorders, concussions and nausea.

— nora gámez torres and mimi whitefield, miamiherald, "Tillerson to weigh in soon on acoustic events in Havana | Miami Herald," 8 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tinnitus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of tinnitus

Latin, ringing, tinnitus, from tinnire to ring, of imitative origin

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1843

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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TINNITUS Defined for English Language Learners

tinnitus

noun

Definition of tinnitus for English Language Learners

medical : a condition that causes you to hear ringing or roaring sounds that only you can hear

Medical Dictionary

tinnitus

noun tin·ni·tus \ ˈtin-ət-əs , ti-ˈnīt-əs \

medical Definition of tinnitus

: a sensation of noise (as a ringing or roaring) that is caused by a bodily condition (as a disturbance of the auditory nerve or wax in the ear) and typically is of the subjective form which can only be heard by the one affected