Which of the following describes tinnitus?

Tinnitus is characterized as the perception of noise or ringing in the ears, which is very common and can affect people of all ages. This condition is not a disease but rather a symptom that can occur due to various underlying issues, such as exposure to loud sounds, ear infections, or age-related hearing loss. The sound may vary in pitch and can be perceived in one or both ears.

The other options do not accurately define tinnitus. A painful sensation in the ears might describe a different condition, such as earache or ear infection. Hearing loss can be associated with tinnitus, but it is not the same as tinnitus, which specifically pertains to noise perception. Age-related ear degeneration refers to presbycusis, which is the gradual loss of hearing that occurs as people age, rather than the subjective noise sensation associated with tinnitus.