Tinnitus Aurium

Tinnitus Aurium is the Latin translation of, and ordinary medical term for, ringing in the ears. In most cases it is an unimportant symptom, depending on some local temporary affection of the ear, or on some disturbance of the digestive system with which the part of the brain, from which the auditory nerve springs, sympathises, or which excites the cerebral circulation (as often occurs in the morning after too liberal evening potations); but, as it is also a common symptom of organic disease of the auditory nerve, it may indicate a dangerous condition, or may be a prelude to complete deafness. Hence, although commonly of no consequence, it is a symptom that, especially if permanent, must be carefully watched. It may be readily induced for a few hours by a large dose of quinine, salicine, or their compounds. Tinnitus is of course the proper pronunciation, but in medicine it is usually called tinnitus.