A noise in the ears, such as ringing, buzzing, or roaring, which may at times be heard by others than the patient. Common causes include presbycusis, prolonged exposure to loud environmental noise, and such pathological conditions as inflammation and infection of the ear, otosclerosis, meniere’s disease, and labyrinthitis. Systemic disorders associated with tinnitus include hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, neurologic disorders including head injury, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. Tinnitus often is one of the first symptoms produced by an ototoxic drug.
