What is the term for ringing in the ears?

The term for ringing in the ears is "tinnitus." Tinnitus is a perception of noise that is not caused by an external sound source and can manifest as a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sounds in one or both ears. It is often associated with hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, ear infections, or other underlying health conditions.

In contrast, vertigo refers to a sensation of spinning or dizziness, typically related to issues with the inner ear or the vestibular system. Otitis is an inflammation or infection of the ear, commonly affecting the middle ear (otitis media) or the outer ear (otitis externa). Cholesteatoma is an abnormal skin growth in the middle ear that can lead to hearing loss and other complications. Each of these terms describes different ear-related conditions, not the specific symptom of ringing in the ears, which is why tinnitus is the correct choice.