Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom—persistent noise like ringing or purring without an external source, causing discomfort.

### Causes of Tinnitus
Tinnitus can result from ear damage or medication use.

**Ear Damage**
The ear has three parts: outer, middle, and inner. Damage to the middle or inner ear can disrupt sound conduction or neural processing, leading to tinnitus. Tumor pressure on the acoustic nerve can also be a cause.

**Long-term Noise Exposure**
Workers in loud environments, like hydraulic hammer operators, may develop tinnitus. Loud music through headphones can also contribute.

**Other Causes:**
– Certain medications
– Temporomandibular joint disorders