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

Here's what tinnitus is, what causes it and its most common treatments. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025

Living with tinnitus can affect your quality of life and mood. —Carley Millhone, Health, 20 Oct. 2024

Tour due to being diagnosed with a severe case of tinnitus – a condition that causes sufferers to hear a constant noise or ringing in their ears. —Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019

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

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