What is the term for a constant buzzing or ringing in the ears?

The term for a constant buzzing or ringing in the ears is tinnitus. Tinnitus is often characterized by sounds such as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking in the absence of external sound, and it can be a result of various underlying issues, including exposure to loud noises, ear infections, age-related hearing loss, or other auditory conditions.

This term is crucial to understand, especially in the context of environmental health, as exposure to certain environmental factors can contribute to hearing problems, including tinnitus. Recognizing tinnitus as a symptom rather than a standalone diagnosis is important when evaluating individuals who may have been exposed to harmful noise levels in their environment.

The other options refer to different concepts. Sensorineural impact relates to hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. Threshold abridgment is not a recognized term in audiology or environmental health. Otitis media is an ear condition characterized by inflammation or infection in the middle ear, which can also affect hearing but is distinct from tinnitus itself. Thus, tinnitus is the most accurate term for the condition described.