View source for Ringing

== Ringing ==

'''Ringing''' (/ˈrɪŋɪŋ/), also known as [[Tinnitus]], is a common symptom involving the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. 

=== Etymology ===

The term "ringing" comes from the Old English word 'hringan', and is related to the Dutch word 'ringen' and German word 'ringen', all of which mean to ring or to sound.

=== Definition ===

Ringing is not a disease in itself but a symptom of an underlying condition. It can be caused by a variety of conditions and illnesses such as [[Ear Infections|ear infections]], [[Noise-induced hearing loss|noise-induced hearing loss]], and [[Meniere's disease]]. 

=== Symptoms ===

The primary symptom of ringing is hearing sound when no external sound is present. The sounds you hear can be soft or loud, low or high pitched, and appear to be coming from one or both ears. Most commonly, people report hearing a sound similar to ringing, hence the name. However, others may hear hissing, buzzing, chirping, whistling, or other sounds.

=== Treatment ===

Treatment for ringing in the ears depends on the underlying cause. Some treatments aim to resolve the condition causing the ringing, such as medication for an ear infection or avoiding loud noises for noise-induced hearing loss. Other treatments aim to reduce or mask the noise, making the ringing less noticeable.

=== Related Terms ===

* [[Audiology]]: The study of hearing disorders, including ringing in the ears.
* [[Otolaryngology]]: The branch of medicine that deals with conditions of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT), including ringing.
* [[Decibel]]: A unit used to measure the intensity of a sound or the power level of an electrical signal by comparing it with a given level on a logarithmic scale.

[[Category:Medical Dictionary]]
[[Category:Symptoms]]
[[Category:Audiology]]
[[Category:Otolaryngology]]

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