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Tinnitus: meaning, definitions and examples

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tinnitus

 

[ tɪˈnaɪ.təs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. It can be a symptom of an underlying condition such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury, or circulatory system disorder. Tinnitus can be constant or intermittent, and it may vary in pitch and volume.

Synonyms

ear buzzing, ear noise, ringing in the ears.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tinnitus

Medical and clinical discussions about a condition where there is a perception of noise or ringing in the ears without an external sound source.

  • The patient reported experiencing tinnitus after exposure to loud music
  • Doctors diagnosed her with tinnitus and recommended several treatments
ringing in the ears

Common and descriptive way to explain the sensation of hearing a ringing sound, typically used in both informal and semi-formal contexts.

  • After the explosion, everyone had ringing in their ears
  • He went to the doctor because the ringing in his ears wouldn’t go away
ear buzzing

Informal or everyday conversations when describing a temporary or occasional sensation of a buzzing sound in the ears.

  • After the concert, I couldn’t sleep because of this annoying ear buzzing
  • Have you ever had that weird ear buzzing when it's too quiet?
ear noise

General discussions where the sound could be ringing, buzzing, or other kinds of noise perceived within the ear. It can be utilized in non-medical contexts.

  • The sudden ear noise startled him during the meeting
  • She complained about ear noise when she was trying to concentrate

Examples of usage

  • Tinnitus can be a frustrating and debilitating condition for those who suffer from it.
  • Some people find relief from tinnitus through sound therapy or meditation.
Context #2 | Noun

common usage

In everyday language, tinnitus may refer to any persistent noise or unwanted sound, not limited to the ears. It can be used metaphorically to describe a continuous and annoying disturbance.

Synonyms

annoying disturbance, persistent noise, unwanted sound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tinnitus

This term is often used in a medical context to describe a condition in which a person hears ringing or buzzing in the ears. It is a specific and clinical term preferred by healthcare professionals.

  • She went to the doctor because she was experiencing tinnitus in her left ear
persistent noise

Use this when referring to any noise that doesn't go away and continues over a period of time. This term doesn't carry the clinical connotation of 'tinnitus.'

  • The persistent noise from the neighbor's party kept him up all night
annoying disturbance

This phrase can describe any irritating noise or interruption, not necessarily related to a medical condition. It is suitable for everyday situations where a noise is bothersome.

  • The construction outside her window was an annoying disturbance while she was trying to work
unwanted sound

This is a general phrase for any sound that is not desired by the listener. It can be used in various situations where the sound is simply not welcome.

  • She closed the window to block out the unwanted sound of traffic

Examples of usage

  • The tinnitus of construction work outside the office made it hard to concentrate.
  • She couldn't escape the tinnitus of her noisy neighbors.

Translations

Translations of the word "tinnitus" in other languages:

🇵🇹 zumbido

🇮🇳 कर्णशूल

🇩🇪 Tinnitus

🇮🇩 tinnitus

🇺🇦 тинітус

🇵🇱 szum w uszach

🇯🇵 耳鳴り (miminari)

🇫🇷 acouphène

🇪🇸 tinnitus

🇹🇷 kulak çınlaması

🇰🇷 이명 (imyeong)

🇸🇦 طنين الأذن

🇨🇿 tinnitus

🇸🇰 tinnitus

🇨🇳 耳鸣 (ěrmíng)

🇸🇮 šumenje v ušesih

🇮🇸 eynað

🇰🇿 құлақ шуы

🇬🇪 ყურის ხმაური

🇦🇿 qulaq cingiltisi

🇲🇽 tinnitus

Etymology

The word tinnitus comes from the Latin word 'tinnītus', which means 'ringing'. The condition has been documented throughout history, with references to it dating back to ancient Egypt. While the exact cause of tinnitus can vary, it is often associated with hearing damage or disorders of the inner ear.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,386, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.