What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is defined as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound that individuals may hear in one or both ears without an external source of the sound. This perception of noise can vary in pitch and loudness and may be persistent or intermittent. It is often associated with hearing loss or damage to the auditory system, making it crucial for individuals to understand this condition, especially in contexts related to hearing conservation.

While hearing protection measures and noise level measurements play an important role in preventing hearing damage, they do not define what tinnitus is. Additionally, tinnitus itself is not classified as an injury to the ear but rather a symptom that can arise from various causes, including exposure to loud noises, ear infections, or age-related hearing loss.