tinnitus

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

Updated on: 22 Apr 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

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Recent Examples of tinnitus from the Web

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
Victims complained of a range of symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, headaches, balance problems, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), nosebleeds, difficulty concentrating and recalling words, permanent hearing loss, and speech and vision problems.

— beth mole, Ars Technica, "Victims of mystery attacks in Cuba left with anomalies in brain tissue," 6 Dec. 2017
The rocket hit just over 3 feet from him, leaving him with shrapnel through his leg, tinnitus in his left ear, and nerve damage in his back.

— special to al.com, AL.com, "Redline Steel CEO turns failure into success," 5 Nov. 2017
Diplomats have been treated for ear complaints, hearing loss, dizziness, tinnitus, balance problems, visual complaints, headaches, fatigue, cognitive issues and difficulty sleeping, a senior US official said.

— zachary cohen, CNN, "New audio adds to mystery of attacks on US diplomats," 13 Oct. 2017

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

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First Known Use: 1843

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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

Learn More about tinnitus

See words that rhyme with tinnitus Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tinnitus

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tinnitus

Definition of tinnitus

Recent Examples of tinnitus from the Web

Origin and Etymology of tinnitus

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TINNITUS Defined for English Language Learners

tinnitus

Definition of tinnitus for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

tinnitus

medical Definition of tinnitus

Learn More about tinnitus

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Origin and Etymology of tinnitus

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