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tinnitus
(tin´ĭ-tәs)
(tĭ-ni´tәs)
a noise in the ears, such as ringing, buzzing, or roaring, usually psychogenic but sometimes capable of being 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 disease, and labyrinthitis. Systemic disorders associated with tinnitus include hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, and neurologic disorders such as head injury, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. Tinnitus may also be seen as one of the first symptoms produced by an ototoxic drug.

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