Tinnitus
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the name given to the condition where the individual hears sounds in the head or in the ear(s) in the absence of any external source. The noise may vary in pitch, nature and quality. The noise may be constant or it may come and go.
It is estimated that about 30% to 40% of the population will suffer from tinnitus at one point in their life, particularly if they have hearing loss. The vast majority will have tinnitus which is manageable, or if need be controlled without any significant treatment.
A small minority will require further management and it is these patients who will require referral to an ear nose and throat surgeon or an audiological physician.
Who needs referral to a specialist?
Those patients with any of the following types of tinnitus would benefit with consultation with a specialist:
1.tinnitus which is annoying and affecting their quality of life,
2.constant tinnitus in one ear,
3.tinnitus with other associated symptoms, such as dizziness, or significant hearing loss
4.“pulsatile” or “clicking” tinnitus, when the patient can hear their “hear beat” or has a “drum beat” type of tinnitus.
What will the specialist do?
After taking a history and examining you, the specialist will arrange a hearing test for you. Any obvious cause of tinnitus will be determined and managed accordingly. It may be necessary in some situations to have some further investigations, most often a MRI scan.
What is the treatment for isolated tinnitus of unknown cause?
No specific treatment
In a majority of people no specific treatment is necessary, and all the patient requires is reassurance.
Active treatment
Tinnitus retraining therapy is a type of tinnitus counselling which is effective at reducing the threat and the intrusiveness of tinnitus and consists of a combination of explanation, counselling and controlled use of white noise generators or hearing aids. In a large proportion of patients tinnitus retraining therapy will be entirely effective although it may not necessarily totally remove the noises.
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