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

Severe migraines, dizziness triggered by sound, and persistent tinnitus made live shows feel impossible. —Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Moon incurred tinnitus following an injury to his eardrum in recent years, which impacted his ability to work. —Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026

Others were long enough in the tooth to be trading the secondhand tales of burst eardrums and that particular Valentine-tinnitus that heads have collected like backpack patches since the band’s miracle years. —Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 28 Nov. 2025

But the star was happy to be able to highlight Lana’s struggle with tinnitus in some scenes. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 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