Final answer:
The constant ringing in the patient's ears should be documented as tinnitus, a symptom often associated with various underlying conditions rather than a condition itself.
Step-by-step explanation:
The constant ringing in a patient's ears should be documented as tinnitus. Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears, which is a common problem affecting about 15% to 20% of people. It isn't a condition itself but is typically a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury, or a circulatory system disorder. While tinnitus is often associated with hearing loss, it does not cause the loss, nor does a hearing loss necessarily cause tinnitus. In diagnosing and documenting a patient's condition, healthcare professionals should record the description of the tinnitus, including its pitch, loudness, whether it is constant or intermittent, and if it has any impact on the patient's quality of life.