Tinnitus: Understanding Ringing in the Ears - Causes & Symptoms

Tinnitus is a pathological term identifying a ringing sound in the ears that is not from an external source. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as "a sensation of ringing in the ears."

• Tinnitus in the ear

Identification

• This sound may also be a buzzing, clicking, hissing or rushing sound, according to The New International Dictionary of the English Language.

Etymology

• Tinnitus is a noun that originates from the Latin "tinnire" meaning "to ring," according to the New International Dictionary of the English Language.

History

• The term "tinnitus" dates back to 1693, according to the Oxford English Dictionary. Merriam-Webster dates its use in the English language back to 1843.

Conditions

• Tinnitus is a symptom resulting from another condition. Damage to the hearing nerve, hearing impairment, loud noise, Meniere's syndrome and medications are some conditions that cause tinnitus.

Location

• Tinnitus occurs in the inner, middle or outer ear. Tinnitus can also occur from a condition affecting the hearing center in the brain, according to The Mayo Clinic.

Treatment

• Sometimes tinnitus is reversible and resolves on its own, or it can be an irreversible, lifelong condition. Although tinnitus does not have a specific treatment, niacin is thought to help tinnitus, but further medical research is needed to substantiate this claim.