Tinnitus. Conceptual artwork of the inside of a human ear with tinnitus. Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, whistling or other noise heard in the ear in the absence of environmental sound. It is caused by the acoustic nerve (not seen) transmitting impulses to the brain that have resulted from stimuli originating inside the head or within the ear itself. The condition is almost always associated with hearing loss, particularly when associated with old age. Tinnitus can also be a symptom of other conditions including ear infections, Meniere's disease and ototoxicity.