What term describes a ringing, buzzing or hissing in the ear?

What term describes a ringing, buzzing or hissing in the ear?

• A. Tinnitus
• B. Vertigo
• C. Otitis
• D. Deafness

Answer: (A)

Tinnitus is the term for hearing a ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ear when there is no external sound present. It’s a symptom rather than a disease and can result from factors like damage to the inner ear hair cells, age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, earwax blockage, ear infections, or certain medications. Tinnitus can be constant or occasional and may be accompanied by sensitivity to sound or sleep disturbances. It’s helpful to distinguish it from vertigo (dizziness with spinning), otitis (ear infection with pain or discharge), and deafness (loss of hearing), since tinnitus specifically describes that phantom or internal noise perception. Treatment focuses on addressing any identifiable underlying cause and using strategies like sound therapy or counseling to help manage the perception.

Tinnitus is the term for hearing a ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ear when there is no external sound present. It’s a symptom rather than a disease and can result from factors like damage to the inner ear hair cells, age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, earwax blockage, ear infections, or certain medications. Tinnitus can be constant or occasional and may be accompanied by sensitivity to sound or sleep disturbances. It’s helpful to distinguish it from vertigo (dizziness with spinning), otitis (ear infection with pain or discharge), and deafness (loss of hearing), since tinnitus specifically describes that phantom or internal noise perception. Treatment focuses on addressing any identifiable underlying cause and using strategies like sound therapy or counseling to help manage the perception.