tinnitus

In medicine, constant buzzing or ringing in the ears. The phenomenon may originate from prolonged exposure to noisy conditions (drilling, machinery, or loud music) or from damage to or disease of the middle or inner ear. The victim may become overwhelmed by the relentless noise in the head.

In some cases there is a hum at a frequency of about 40 Hz, which resembles that heard by people troubled by environmental hum but may include whistles and other noises resembling a machine workshop. Being in a place where external noises drown the internal ones gives some relief, and devices may be worn that create pleasant, soothing sounds to override them.

Approximately 20% of Europeans and North Americans will experience tinnitus at some period in their lives. Treatment often involves counselling and teaching the sufferer how to cope with the noise.

Objective tinnitus is a very rare form in which other people can also hear the noises. This may be caused by muscle spasms in the inner ear or throat, or abnormal resonance of the eardrum and ossicles.