Tinnitus is a condition with your hearing where you suffer permanent damage, hearing loss and constant ringing in your ears. We guitarists are very prone to it, because by most of our natures we like loud music, and playing loudly as well. Ever heard, "Boy, that 100 watt Marshall doesn't sound good unless it's cranked!"
I've suffered some hearing damage on my left side from too many high volume practice sessions and attending shows where the PA was so loud that it caused me pain.
I used to work a side job as security at a Tejano bar in my area, and they had this massive PA setup for a teeny little club that would hold maybe 75 people, tops. The soundguy would turn up the volume so loud that individual sounds were no longer discernable, just a deafening roar, and you couldn't hear yourself shouting. I wore plugs everytime I walked in the door.
Blazes, man, I hope this all gets better for you. Paul Gilbert has hearing damage to the point that he wears isolation headphones, maybe that could help?