What are the two types of tinnitus identified?

The identification of tinnitus as either subjective or objective is a fundamental concept in understanding this auditory condition. Subjective tinnitus is the more common form, where the individual perceives sounds that have no external source; it is only audible to the person experiencing it. This type can be linked to various causes, such as exposure to loud noise, ear infections, or age-related hearing loss.

On the other hand, objective tinnitus refers to sounds that can be heard by others, often caused by underlying physiological changes in the body, such as blood flow issues or muscle spasms. This distinction is critical for healthcare professionals as it influences diagnosis and treatment options.

The other classifications, such as acute and chronic or primary and secondary, do exist but do not capture the auditory characteristics of tinnitus as distinctly as the subjective and objective categories. These classifications focus more on duration or causation rather than the perceptual experience of the sounds.