# tinnitus

/ˈtɪnɪtəs/ (US) · /tˈɪnɪtəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tinnitus
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in your ears or head that you cannot hear from the outside. It is often a sign that your ears are tired or damaged.

For teachers: the perception of sound within the ear or head without an external source. Often associated with hearing loss or damage to the auditory system.

## Examples

- He has a constant ringing in his ears called tinnitus.
- Many people who work in noisy environments suffer from tinnitus, which can be a permanent side effect of hearing loss.
- While occasional tinnitus is common and usually harmless, persistent ringing can indicate underlying health issues such as high blood pressure or ear infections that require medical intervention.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.