Tinnitus is the perception of noises in the ear or head in the absence of an external sound source. This may occur as an isolated symptom but commonly accompanies other conditions that may affect the ear. Tinnitus may subjective or objective.

Objective tinnitus is heard both by the patient and others. It may be heard by the examiner, often in a soundproof room with the help of a stethoscope placed to the ear. Subjective tinnitus is only heard by the patient.

The treatment of tinnitus is very dependent on the cause. If a cause is identified, this would be treated. The commonest form of tinnitus however is unknown and associated to sensorineural deafness. In such cases the main stay of treatment is management of the hearing loss and tinnitus retraining therapy.