Question: Isn't the correct answer determined by a definition of tinnitus and isn't the problem that the question doesn't contain a definition of tinnitus? We do not how to answer the question since the definition of tinnitus is incomplete and inexact within the question. Therefore, everyone will make up their own definition since no standard has been set.

Answer: There are essentially two definitions of tinnitus; 1. *Sounds* of internal origin in the head or ears. 2. The *distress* caused by noises in the head or ears.

Some professionals, eg some doctors, tend towards the second definition; They define tinnitus as the *distress*. From a medical perspective, there are advantages. They can do things to eliminate distress, whereas they can not usually do much about the underlying sound signal.

Other people, eg researchers such as Prof Hackney, Dr WE Davies, use the first definition - They define tinnitus as the actual *sound*. As researchers, they are more interested in identifying and removing the cause of the sound rather than the resultant distress caused to the patient.

Patients themselves use the definition that they are most comfortable with. It is part of their coping strategy and is an individual thing. I, for example prefer the first definition because I'm very interested in the sort of research people like Carole Hackney are involved in, even though I know thatit is a very long term project. I know other people with tinnitus prefer the second definition because it means they can do something about their tinnitus *now*.

It is ok for people to use different definitions. I talk to people who define it differently to me, and we understand each other and our conversations make good sense. This is not unique to tinnitus. It is true in all areas of science. Words aren't as precisely defined as we might think, but meanings become clear when we talk constructively.