10 / 20

Which of the following statements describes tinnitus?

  • A

    A blockage of the Eustachian tube.

  • B

    A loss of hearing at high frequencies.

  • C

    A ringing in the ears.

  • D

    Dizziness caused by inner ear infection.

TINNITUS

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of an external source, often described as ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears. It typically occurs when there is damage or irritation to the hair cells within the inner ear, commonly due to prolonged exposure to loud noise or certain medical conditions. This damage disrupts normal auditory signals, leading the brain to interpret abnormal nerve activity as sound. Tinnitus can be temporary or chronic and may vary in intensity depending on the underlying cause.

Let's analyze the given options:

A blockage of the Eustachian tube. → INCORRECT. This may lead to inability to balance the pressure between the middle ear and the environment and lead to barotrauma.

A loss of hearing at high frequencies. → INCORRECT. This occurs due to age (presbycusis) or due to noise (Noise Induced Hearing Loss).

A ringing in the ears. → CORRECT. This is the definition of tinnitus.

Dizziness caused by inner ear infection. → INCORRECT. Tinnitus is ringing in the ears in the absence of any sounds and it is not related to ear infection.

Your Notes (not visible to others)



This question has appeared on the real examination, you can find the related countries below.

Keyboard Shortcut Use Keyboard Shortcuts