What is tinnitus or “ringing in the ears”?
A. Tinnitus is a term derived from the Latin word tinnire, meaning to ring. Tinnitus is a “subjective ringing or tingling in the ear that can only be heard by the person experiencing it”. Tinnitus can be described in different ways: humming, buzzing, ringing, clicking, hissing. The noise can be constant or come in short bursts, lasting for long periods of time or just briefly. The noise can be loud or soft, can change in pitch and can be heard in either one or both ears. Tinnitus can be heard at various times, but mostly when it is quiet like when going to sleep or early in the morning.
