HESI Health Assessment Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

Tinnitus is characterized by the perception of sound without an external source, and it often manifests as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other types of noise in the ears. The correct choice identifies sounds originating from within the body as the typical cause of tinnitus. This perception can be influenced by various internal factors, such as changes in the ear, exposure to loud noises, or heightened sensitivity to sound. In many cases, it results from issues in the auditory pathways or damage to the hair cells in the inner ear.

While external noises from the environment can contribute to tinnitus, they do not typically cause it. Sounds produced by the heart might also be perceived in some cases, but they are distinct from tinnitus as they do not reflect the characteristic auditory sensations associated with this condition. Infections in the ear may lead to tinnitus as a symptom, but they are not considered the typical cause; rather, they are one of many possible underlying factors. Thus, the understanding of tinnitus aligns primarily with the internal sounds perceived by the individual, making the identification of internal origins the key point.