tinnitus

noun

tin·​ni·​tus ˈti-nə-təs  tə-ˈnī-təs 

: 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

Examples of tinnitus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the National Institutes of Health, about 14% of adults have experienced tinnitus at one point in their lives with 10% of them experiencing chronic tinnitus lasting more than three months. —Michael Franco, New Atlas, 19 Mar. 2025

The company is now conducting a clinical trial for the treatment of epilepsy and has experimented with treatments for migraine, schizophrenia, and tinnitus as well. —IEEE Spectrum, 29 May 2015

The sound design by Satya Chavez underscores the tension with occasional tones that evoke the sensation of tinnitus (something to be aware of for those with auditory sensitivities). —Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025

Hearing aids can amplify external noises, making the tinnitus less noticeable. —Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

tinnitus

noun

tin·​ni·​tus ˈtin-ət-əs  ti-ˈnīt-əs 

: a sensation of noise (as a ringing or roaring) that is typically caused by a bodily condition (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