tinnitus

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

|Updated on: 11 Aug 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

Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder that produces feelings of vertigo, as well as tinnitus (or ringing) and hearing loss.

— jordan runtagh, PEOPLE.com, "Huey Lewis Opens Up About Sudden Hearing Loss: 'I Haven't Come to Grips with the Fact That I May Never Sing Again'," 7 May 2018
The affected personnel exhibited several health problems that resemble those caused by mild brain trauma such as a concussion, including sharp ear pain, dull headaches, tinnitus, vertigo, disorientation, nausea and extreme fatigue.

— gardiner harris, New York Times, "25th Person at U.S. Embassy in Cuba Is Mysteriously Sickened," 21 June 2018
But foam isn’t great in all cases (like for people with tinnitus), and a $50 noise machine might not be worth much if there’s ungodly snoring happening right beside you.

— chris welch, The Verge, "Bose’s new $250 Sleepbuds play soothing sounds instead of music," 20 June 2018
These symptoms are due to a condition called tinnitus.

— Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Protect your ears: you might not realize what’s hurting them," 19 June 2018
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

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