-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
eyes/ears/nose/throat
tinnitus
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition: The perception of sound without external stimulus.

etiology: The sound the patient hears may be of several types, including ringing, roaring, buzzing, hissing, and whistling; or, the sound may be more involved or be different sounds at different times. Tinnitus may be constant or intermittent. It is sometimes associated with drug use, especially aspirin and antibiotics. It is often idiopathic, and although the pathophysiology of tinnitus is poorly understood, tinnitus is frequently associated with sensorineural or conductive hearing loss.

signs and symptoms

Disorders that may cause tinnitus:
• Foreign bodies.
• Use of aspirin or other ototoxics (quinine, carbon dioxides, alcohol, heavy metals).
• Food allergies.
• Excess ear wax.
• Infections: otitis externa/media, labyrinthitis, etc.
• Eustachian tube obstruction.
• Otosclerosis.
• Meniere's disease.
• Anemia.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Head trauma.
• associated with Liver (Yang Rising) and Kidney (Yin Deficiency) in Traditional Chinese Medicine

lab findings:
• rule out infection, anemia, ototoxicity, hypertension, hypothyroidism

course and prognosis

Unless the underlying reason for the tinnitus is uncovered and removed the patient will continue to experience the symptoms. Tinnitus is not fatal but can cause significant discomfort to the afflicted patient. Conventional treatment may include using other sounds to screen out the tinnitus.

differential diagnosis

• Bruit: can also be heard by examiner, too.


footnotes