Ringing or buzzing in the ears is classified as what type of effect of hearing loss?

The sensation of ringing or buzzing in the ears, known as tinnitus, is considered an auditory effect of hearing loss. This condition often arises from damage to the auditory system, which can be caused by prolonged exposure to loud sounds, age-related changes, ear infections, or other factors that impact hearing. Tinnitus is closely related to the auditory pathways, as it is perceived through mechanisms within the auditory system.

When hearing loss occurs, the brain may attempt to fill in gaps in sound perception, leading to the experience of tinnitus. This is why it fits neatly into the category of auditory effects, as it directly correlates with changes in auditory processing and sound perception. Other options like non-auditory, physiological, or psychological effects, while relevant to the broader implications of hearing loss, do not specifically encompass the experience of tinnitus itself, which is fundamentally linked to auditory functioning.