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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
[[Tinnitus]] is derived from the Latin word ''tinnire,'' meaning to ring. Tinnitus can be classified as subjective and objective. This classification not only explains the underlying etiology but also directs the management of tinnitus. In the normal functioning auditory pathway, there is ordered tonotopic frequency mapping from the [[cochlea]] to the [[auditory cortex]] via [[midbrain]]. Conditions associated with [[Cochlear nucleus|cochlear]] damage result in altered tonotopic organization and ultimately tinnitus. The pathophysiology of tinnitus can be explained by the tinnitus model. Common causes of tinnitus include [[Ototoxicity]], [[Presbycusis]], noise induced [[hearing loss]], late onset congenital [[hearing loss]], [[Ménière's disease|meniere's disease]], and [[Loop diuretics]]. The [[incidence rate]] of tinnitus increases with age and is more prevalent in older people. Tinnitus is more prevalent in men compared to women and [[Smoking|smokers]] compared to non-smokers. If left untreated, patients may progress to functional impairment, [[insomnia]], [[anxiety]], and [[depression]]. TSI is used to rank the patient's based upon their severity. The score ranges from 0-45. Symptoms and history include sounds such as ringing, buzzing, pulsatile, roaring and humming and progressive hearing loss. An extensive neurological examination may rule out underlying brainstem damage or hearing loss. The Weber and Rinne test are done to establish sensorineural or conductive hearing loss. They are usually abnormal. MRI with contrast is followed by CT/CTA and ultimately interventional angiography, if needed. Initial audiometric tests are done to identify asymmetries between the ears and to locate the site of abnormality such as middle ear, cochlea, and brainstem. These tests include: pure-tone audiogram, tympanometry, auditory reflex testing, determination of speech discrimination abilities, otoacoustic emissions testing and auditory brainstem response testing (ABR). Tinnitus is a symptom and not a disease itself. It is a chronic condition that can be managed by treating the underlying etiology. The treatment of tinnitus is usually directed towards improvement in the quality of life by decreasing awareness or desensitizing towards tinnitus. It is usually achieved by identifying the underlying pathology or the associated disease. It is recommended to treat underlying [[insomnia]] and depression (Grade 1B). [[Cochlear implants]] may be considered for tinnitus associated with severe [[sensorineural hearing loss]]. Other therapies include: [[tinnitus retraining therapy]] (TRT) (Grade 1C), [[biofeedback]] (Grade 2C), and [[Cognitive behavioral therapy|cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)]] as an adjunct to TRT (Grade 2C). [[Acupuncture]] and electrical stimulation are considered equally effective as placebo, no significant role established so far. | |||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
==Historical Perspective== | ==Historical Perspective== | ||
| Line 28: | Line 30: | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
In the normal functioning auditory pathway, there is ordered tonotopic frequency mapping from the [[cochlea]] to the [[auditory cortex]] via [[midbrain]]. Conditions associated with [[Cochlear nucleus|cochlear]] damage result in altered tonotopic organization and ultimately tinnitus. The pathophysiology of tinnitus can be explained by the tinnitus model. | In the normal functioning auditory pathway, there is ordered tonotopic frequency mapping from the [[cochlea]] to the [[auditory cortex]] via [[midbrain]].<ref name="pmid24744443">{{cite journal |vauthors=Minen MT, Camprodon J, Nehme R, Chemali Z |title=The neuropsychiatry of tinnitus: a circuit-based approach to the causes and treatments available |journal=J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatry |volume=85 |issue=10 |pages=1138–44 |date=October 2014 |pmid=24744443 |doi=10.1136/jnnp-2013-307339 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid10601720">{{cite journal |vauthors=Qiu C, Salvi R, Ding D, Burkard R |title=Inner hair cell loss leads to enhanced response amplitudes in auditory cortex of unanesthetized chinchillas: evidence for increased system gain |journal=Hear. Res. |volume=139 |issue=1-2 |pages=153–71 |date=January 2000 |pmid=10601720 |doi=10.1016/s0378-5955(99)00171-9 |url=}}</ref> Conditions associated with [[Cochlear nucleus|cochlear]] damage result in altered tonotopic organization and ultimately tinnitus. The pathophysiology of tinnitus can be explained by the tinnitus model.<ref name="pmid10669517">{{cite journal |vauthors=Melcher JR, Sigalovsky IS, Guinan JJ, Levine RA |title=Lateralized tinnitus studied with functional magnetic resonance imaging: abnormal inferior colliculus activation |journal=J. Neurophysiol. |volume=83 |issue=2 |pages=1058–72 |date=February 2000 |pmid=10669517 |doi=10.1152/jn.2000.83.2.1058 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid9443467">{{cite journal |vauthors=Lockwood AH, Salvi RJ, Coad ML, Towsley ML, Wack DS, Murphy BW |title=The functional neuroanatomy of tinnitus: evidence for limbic system links and neural plasticity |journal=Neurology |volume=50 |issue=1 |pages=114–20 |date=January 1998 |pmid=9443467 |doi=10.1212/wnl.50.1.114 |url=}}</ref> | ||
====Lesion projection zone (LPZ):==== | ====Lesion projection zone (LPZ):==== | ||
| Line 43: | Line 45: | ||
==Causes of subjective tinnitus== | ==Causes of subjective tinnitus== | ||
====Sensorineural hearing loss:==== | ====Sensorineural hearing loss:==== | ||
| Line 66: | Line 66: | ||
*[[Systemic hypertension]] | *[[Systemic hypertension]] | ||
*[[Sickle cell anemia]] | *[[Sickle cell anemia]] | ||
*[[Small-sized vessel vasculitis|Small vessel disease]] | *[[Small-sized vessel vasculitis|Small vessel disease]]<ref name="pmid9927967">{{cite journal |vauthors=Fortune DS, Haynes DS, Hall JW |title=Tinnitus. Current evaluation and management |journal=Med. Clin. North Am. |volume=83 |issue=1 |pages=153–62, x |date=January 1999 |pmid=9927967 |doi=10.1016/s0025-7125(05)70094-8 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid10609479">{{cite journal |vauthors=Levine RA |title=Somatic (craniocervical) tinnitus and the dorsal cochlear nucleus hypothesis |journal=Am J Otolaryngol |volume=20 |issue=6 |pages=351–62 |date=1999 |pmid=10609479 |doi=10.1016/s0196-0709(99)90074-1 |url=}}</ref> | ||
*[[Hypercholesterolemia]] | *[[Hypercholesterolemia]] | ||
*[[Hypercoagulable state]] | *[[Hypercoagulable state]] | ||
| Line 406: | Line 406: | ||
==Epidemiology and Demographics== | ==Epidemiology and Demographics== | ||
*Tinnitus affects 10 to 15% of the population. | *[[Tinnitus]] affects 10 to 15% of the population. | ||
*85% of the population presenting with ear symptoms/disorders report tinnitus as an associated symptom. | *85% of the population presenting with ear symptoms/disorders report tinnitus as an associated [[symptom]].<ref name="pmid20670725">{{cite journal |vauthors=Shargorodsky J, Curhan GC, Farwell WR |title=Prevalence and characteristics of tinnitus among US adults |journal=Am. J. Med. |volume=123 |issue=8 |pages=711–8 |date=August 2010 |pmid=20670725 |doi=10.1016/j.amjmed.2010.02.015 |url=}}</ref> | ||
*The incidence rate of tinnitus increases with age and is more prevalent in older people. | *The [[incidence rate]] of tinnitus increases with age and is more prevalent in older people.<ref name="pmid20371585">{{cite journal |vauthors=Shetye A, Kennedy V |title=Tinnitus in children: an uncommon symptom? |journal=Arch. Dis. Child. |volume=95 |issue=8 |pages=645–8 |date=August 2010 |pmid=20371585 |doi=10.1136/adc.2009.168252 |url=}}</ref> | ||
*Tinnitus is more prevalent in men compared to women and [[Smoking|smokers]] compared to non-smokers.<ref name="pmid15782448">{{cite journal |vauthors=Adams PF, Hendershot GE, Marano MA |title=Current estimates from the National Health Interview Survey, 1996 |journal=Vital Health Stat 10 |volume= |issue=200 |pages=1–203 |date=October 1999 |pmid=15782448 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid15040757">{{cite journal |vauthors=Ahmad N, Seidman M |title=Tinnitus in the older adult: epidemiology, pathophysiology and treatment options |journal=Drugs Aging |volume=21 |issue=5 |pages=297–305 |date=2004 |pmid=15040757 |doi=10.2165/00002512-200421050-00002 |url=}}</ref> | |||
==Risk Factors== | ==Risk Factors== | ||
Common risk factors of tinnitus include | |||
*Age | *Age | ||
*Sensorineural hearing loss | *[[Sensorineural hearing loss]] | ||
*Loud noise exposure | *Loud noise exposure | ||
*Vestibular schwannoma | *[[Vestibular schwannoma]] | ||
*Ototoxic medication | *[[Ototoxic|Ototoxic medication]] | ||
*History of anxiety and depression | *History of [[anxiety]] and [[depression]] | ||
*History of head trauma | *History of [[head trauma]] | ||
*History of multiple sclerosis | *History of [[multiple sclerosis]] | ||
==Natural History, Complications and Prognosis== | ==Natural History, Complications and Prognosis== | ||
*Early clinical features may include ear fullness, huming or ringing sensations in the ear | *Early clinical features may include ear fullness, huming or ringing sensations in the ear | ||
*If left untreated, patients may progress to functional impairment, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. | *If left untreated, patients may progress to functional impairment, [[insomnia]], [[anxiety]], and [[depression]].<ref name="pmid2381186">{{cite journal |vauthors=Stouffer JL, Tyler RS |title=Characterization of tinnitus by tinnitus patients |journal=J Speech Hear Disord |volume=55 |issue=3 |pages=439–53 |date=August 1990 |pmid=2381186 |doi=10.1044/jshd.5503.439 |url=}}</ref> | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
| Line 458: | Line 459: | ||
*Auscultation of neck, orbits and periauricular areas as helpful in establishing the diagnosis of vascular causes | *Auscultation of neck, orbits and periauricular areas as helpful in establishing the diagnosis of vascular causes | ||
*An extensive neurological examination may rule out underlying brainstem damage or hearing loss | *An extensive neurological examination may rule out underlying brainstem damage or hearing loss | ||
*The Weber and Rinne test are done to establish sensorineural or conductive hearing loss | *The Weber and Rinne test are done to establish sensorineural or conductive hearing loss. They are usually abnormal. | ||
===Laboratory Findings:=== | ===Laboratory Findings:=== | ||
| Line 468: | Line 469: | ||
*MRA and CTA are the gold standard diagnostic tests for arteriovenous fistula related tinnitus. | *MRA and CTA are the gold standard diagnostic tests for arteriovenous fistula related tinnitus. | ||
*MRI with contrast is the initial preferred diagnostic test of choice for suspected vascular tinnitus. | *MRI with contrast is the initial preferred diagnostic test of choice for suspected vascular tinnitus. | ||
*MRI with contrast is followed by CT/CTA and ultimately interventional angiography, if needed. | *MRI with contrast is followed by CT/CTA and ultimately interventional angiography, if needed.<ref name="pmid8059655">{{cite journal |vauthors=Dietz RR, Davis WL, Harnsberger HR, Jacobs JM, Blatter DD |title=MR imaging and MR angiography in the evaluation of pulsatile tinnitus |journal=AJNR Am J Neuroradiol |volume=15 |issue=5 |pages=879–89 |date=May 1994 |pmid=8059655 |doi= |url=}}</ref> | ||
===Other Diagnostic Testing:=== | ===Other Diagnostic Testing:=== | ||
*Initial audiometric tests are done to identify asymmetries between the ears and to locate the site of abnormality such as middle ear, cochlea, and brainstem. These tests include: | *Initial audiometric tests<ref name="pmid25274374">{{cite journal |vauthors=Tunkel DE, Bauer CA, Sun GH, Rosenfeld RM, Chandrasekhar SS, Cunningham ER, Archer SM, Blakley BW, Carter JM, Granieri EC, Henry JA, Hollingsworth D, Khan FA, Mitchell S, Monfared A, Newman CW, Omole FS, Phillips CD, Robinson SK, Taw MB, Tyler RS, Waguespack R, Whamond EJ |title=Clinical practice guideline: tinnitus executive summary |journal=Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg |volume=151 |issue=4 |pages=533–41 |date=October 2014 |pmid=25274374 |doi=10.1177/0194599814547475 |url=}}</ref> are done to identify asymmetries between the ears and to locate the site of abnormality such as middle ear, cochlea, and brainstem. These tests include: | ||
**Pure-tone audiogram | **Pure-tone audiogram | ||
**Tympanometry | **Tympanometry | ||
| Line 484: | Line 485: | ||
*Tinnitus is a symptom and not a disease itself. It is a chronic condition that can be managed by treating the underlying etiology. | *Tinnitus is a symptom and not a disease itself. It is a chronic condition that can be managed by treating the underlying etiology. | ||
*The treatment of tinnitus is usually directed towards improvement in the quality of life by decreasing awareness or desensitizing towards tinnitus. It is usually achieved by identifying the underlying pathology or the associated disease. | *The treatment of tinnitus is usually directed towards improvement in the quality of life by decreasing awareness or desensitizing towards tinnitus. It is usually achieved by identifying the underlying pathology or the associated disease. | ||
*It is recommended to treat underlying insomnia and depression. (Grade 1B) | *It is recommended to treat underlying [[insomnia]] and depression. (Grade 1B) | ||
===Medical Therapy=== | ===Medical Therapy=== | ||
Following medications have minimal to modest role in relieving tinnitus. | Following medications have minimal to modest role in relieving tinnitus. | ||
*Misoprostol | *[[Misoprostol]] | ||
*Lidocaine (intratympanic or intravenous) | *[[Lidocaine]] (intratympanic or intravenous) | ||
*Benzodiazepine (alprazolam) | *[[Benzodiazepine]] (alprazolam) | ||
*Steroids such as dexamethasone (intratympanic) | *[[Steroids]] such as [[dexamethasone]] (intratympanic) | ||
*Carbamazepine | *[[Carbamazepine]] | ||
Following medications have been studied for tinnitus but are not found to be effective and have no role in the treatment of tinnitus | Following medications have been studied for tinnitus but are not found to be effective and have no role in the treatment of tinnitus | ||
*Anticonvulsants | *[[Anticonvulsants]] | ||
*Melatonin | *[[Melatonin]] | ||
*Ginkgo biloba | *[[Ginkgo biloba]] | ||
*Niacin | *[[Niacin]] | ||
===Surgery=== | ===Surgery=== | ||
*Cochlear implants may be considered for tinnitus associated with severe sensorineural hearing loss. | *[[Cochlear implants]] may be considered for tinnitus associated with severe [[sensorineural hearing loss]]. | ||
===Other therapies:=== | ===Other therapies:=== | ||
*Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) (Grade 1C) | *[[Tinnitus retraining therapy]] (TRT) (Grade 1C) | ||
*Biofeedback (Grade 2C) | *[[Biofeedback]] (Grade 2C) | ||
*Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as an adjunct to TRT (Grade 2C) | *[[Cognitive behavioral therapy|Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)]] as an adjunct to TRT (Grade 2C) | ||
*Acupuncture and electrical stimulation are considered equally effective as placebo, no significant role established so far. | *[[Acupuncture]] and electrical stimulation are considered equally effective as placebo, no significant role established so far. | ||
===Prevention=== | ===Prevention=== | ||
Latest revision as of 17:57, 6 October 2020
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WikiDoc Resources for Tinnitus |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Kiran Singh, M.D. [2] Sabeeh Islam, MBBS[3]
Overview
Tinnitus is derived from the Latin word tinnire, meaning to ring. Tinnitus can be classified as subjective and objective. This classification not only explains the underlying etiology but also directs the management of tinnitus. In the normal functioning auditory pathway, there is ordered tonotopic frequency mapping from the cochlea to the auditory cortex via midbrain. Conditions associated with cochlear damage result in altered tonotopic organization and ultimately tinnitus. The pathophysiology of tinnitus can be explained by the tinnitus model. Common causes of tinnitus include Ototoxicity, Presbycusis, noise induced hearing loss, late onset congenital hearing loss, meniere's disease, and Loop diuretics. The incidence rate of tinnitus increases with age and is more prevalent in older people. Tinnitus is more prevalent in men compared to women and smokers compared to non-smokers. If left untreated, patients may progress to functional impairment, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. TSI is used to rank the patient's based upon their severity. The score ranges from 0-45. Symptoms and history include sounds such as ringing, buzzing, pulsatile, roaring and humming and progressive hearing loss. An extensive neurological examination may rule out underlying brainstem damage or hearing loss. The Weber and Rinne test are done to establish sensorineural or conductive hearing loss. They are usually abnormal. MRI with contrast is followed by CT/CTA and ultimately interventional angiography, if needed. Initial audiometric tests are done to identify asymmetries between the ears and to locate the site of abnormality such as middle ear, cochlea, and brainstem. These tests include: pure-tone audiogram, tympanometry, auditory reflex testing, determination of speech discrimination abilities, otoacoustic emissions testing and auditory brainstem response testing (ABR). Tinnitus is a symptom and not a disease itself. It is a chronic condition that can be managed by treating the underlying etiology. The treatment of tinnitus is usually directed towards improvement in the quality of life by decreasing awareness or desensitizing towards tinnitus. It is usually achieved by identifying the underlying pathology or the associated disease. It is recommended to treat underlying insomnia and depression (Grade 1B). Cochlear implants may be considered for tinnitus associated with severe sensorineural hearing loss. Other therapies include: tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) (Grade 1C), biofeedback (Grade 2C), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as an adjunct to TRT (Grade 2C). Acupuncture and electrical stimulation are considered equally effective as placebo, no significant role established so far.
Historical Perspective
- In the early 19th century, Frenchman and Jean Marie Gaspard Itard introduced the concept of masking. They were the first ones to differentiate between subjective and objective tinnitus.
- Later in the 19th Century, with the introduction of germ theory and anesthesia, surgical therapy such as incudectomy was established.
- Tinnitus is derived from the Latin word tinnire, meaning to ring.
Classification
Tinnitus can be classified as subjective and objective. This classification not only explains the underlying etiology but also directs the management of tinnitus.
Subjective tinnitus:
- It is only experienced by the affected individual in the absence of any auditory stimulation
- More common, usually described as continuous ringing, high pitch sound
Objective tinnitus:
- It is experienced not only by the affected individual but also by anyone else
- Relative rare, usually described as intermittent venous hum, low pitch sound
- It has an underlying vascular (abnormality of the carotid artery, jugular bulb or jugular vein) or muscular etiology (degenerative conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and usually caused by sound produced in ear, head or neck.
Pathophysiology
In the normal functioning auditory pathway, there is ordered tonotopic frequency mapping from the cochlea to the auditory cortex via midbrain.[1][2] Conditions associated with cochlear damage result in altered tonotopic organization and ultimately tinnitus. The pathophysiology of tinnitus can be explained by the tinnitus model.[3][4]
Lesion projection zone (LPZ):
This zone is defined as the area in the auditory cortex that represents the damaged cochlear input. The neurons in the LPZ zone show 2 main changes:
- Accelerated spontaneous firing rate
- Increased representation of neurons that represent the damaged cochlear region also known as lesion edge frequencies in the LPZ
Tinnitus model:
This model explains 2 major phenomena in the auditory cortex caused by lack of sensory peripheral auditory input (cochlea)
- Hyperactivity in the lesion projections zone (LPZ)
- Increased cortical representation of the lesion-edge frequencies in the LPZ
Causes of subjective tinnitus
Sensorineural hearing loss:
- Ototoxicity
- Presbycusis
- Noise induced hearing loss
- Late onset congenital hearing loss
- Idiopathic
Cochlear injury:
- Meniere's disease
- Loop diuretics
- Platinum based chemotherapy
- Antibiotics
- Salicylate
- Trauma
Vascular causes:
- Systemic hypertension
- Sickle cell anemia
- Small vessel disease[5][6]
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Hypercoagulable state
- Diabetic vasculopathy
CNS causes:
Infections:
Bone disease:
Metabolic disorders:
Autoimmune diseases:
- Autoimmune inner ear disease
- SLE
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Medications:
- ACE inhibitors
- Antimalarial medications
- Aminoglycosides
- Dapsone
- Doxazosin
- Calcium channel blockers
- Benzodiazepines
- Cisplatin
- Clarithromycin
- COX-2 inhibitors
- Loop diuretics
- Tricyclic antidepressant
Differential Diagnosis of Tinnitus
| Diseases | Clinical manifestations | Para-clinical findings | Gold standard | Additional findings | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Symptoms | Physical examination | ||||||||
| Lab Findings | Imaging | ||||||||
| Acute onset | Recurrency | Nystagmus | Hearing problems, tinnitus | ||||||
| Peripheral | |||||||||
| HSV oticus |
+ | +/− | − | +/− |
|
+ VZV antibody titres |
|
||
| Meniere disease |
+/− | + | +/− | + (Progressive) | − |
|
|
||
| Labyrinthine concussion |
+ | − | − | + | − |
|
| ||
| Perilymphatic fistula |
+/− | + | − | + | − |
|
| ||
| Semicircular canal
dehiscence syndrome |
+/− | + | − | +
(air-bone gaps on audiometry) |
− |
|
| ||
| Cogan syndrome |
− | + | +/− | + | Increased ESR and cryoglobulins |
|
| ||
| Vestibular schwannoma |
− | + | +/− | + |
|
− |
|
| |
| Otitis media |
+ | − | − | +/− |
|
Increased acute phase reactants |
|
| |
| Aminoglycoside toxicity |
+ | − | − | + | − | − |
| ||
| Central | |||||||||
| Vestibular migraine |
– | + | +/− | +/− |
|
− |
|
|
|
| Multiple sclerosis |
− | + | +/− | +/− | Elevated concentration of CSF oligoclonal bands | ||||
| Brain tumors |
+/− | + | + | + | Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) may show cancerous cells |
|
| ||
| Cerebellar infarction/hemorrhage | + | − | ++/− | +/− | − |
| |||
| Brain stem ischemia | + | − | +/− | +/− |
|
− |
|
| |
ABBREVIATIONS
VZV= Varicella zoster virus, MRI= Magnetic resonance imaging, ESR= Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, EEG= Electroencephalogram, CSF= Cerebrospinal fluid, GPe= Globus pallidus externa, ICHD= International Classification of Headache Disorders
Epidemiology and Demographics
- Tinnitus affects 10 to 15% of the population.
- 85% of the population presenting with ear symptoms/disorders report tinnitus as an associated symptom.[7]
- The incidence rate of tinnitus increases with age and is more prevalent in older people.[8]
- Tinnitus is more prevalent in men compared to women and smokers compared to non-smokers.[9][10]
Risk Factors
Common risk factors of tinnitus include
- Age
- Sensorineural hearing loss
- Loud noise exposure
- Vestibular schwannoma
- Ototoxic medication
- History of anxiety and depression
- History of head trauma
- History of multiple sclerosis
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
- Early clinical features may include ear fullness, huming or ringing sensations in the ear
- If left untreated, patients may progress to functional impairment, insomnia, anxiety, and depression.[11]
Diagnosis
Diagnostic criteria:
Tinnitus severity index (TSI)
- TSI is used to rank the patient's based upon their severity
- The score ranges from 0-45
Tinnitus handicap questionnaire:
- This questionnaire includes 27 questions and is used to estimate the social, physical and emotional handicap severity
Tinnitus handicap inventory:
- This questionnaire has 4 categories to classify severity
- None, mild, moderate, and severe.
History and Symptoms:
- Sounds such as ringing, buzzing, pulsatile, roaring and humming
- Progressive hearing loss
- Recent exposure to excessive or loud noise or head trauma
- Poor hygiene leading to cerumen impaction
- Ear pain
- History of certain medication exposure
Physical Examination:
- The ear examination may show signs of cerumen impaction, underlying infection or tympanic membrane perforation.
- Auscultation of neck, orbits and periauricular areas as helpful in establishing the diagnosis of vascular causes
- An extensive neurological examination may rule out underlying brainstem damage or hearing loss
- The Weber and Rinne test are done to establish sensorineural or conductive hearing loss. They are usually abnormal.
Laboratory Findings:
- There are no specific lab findings associated with tinnitis.
Imaging:
- MRA and CTA are the gold standard diagnostic tests for arteriovenous fistula related tinnitus.
- MRI with contrast is the initial preferred diagnostic test of choice for suspected vascular tinnitus.
- MRI with contrast is followed by CT/CTA and ultimately interventional angiography, if needed.[12]
Other Diagnostic Testing:
- Initial audiometric tests[13] are done to identify asymmetries between the ears and to locate the site of abnormality such as middle ear, cochlea, and brainstem. These tests include:
- Pure-tone audiogram
- Tympanometry
- Auditory reflex testing
- Determination of speech discrimination abilities
- Otoacoustic emissions testing
- Auditory brainstem response testing (ABR)
Treatment
- Tinnitus is a symptom and not a disease itself. It is a chronic condition that can be managed by treating the underlying etiology.
- The treatment of tinnitus is usually directed towards improvement in the quality of life by decreasing awareness or desensitizing towards tinnitus. It is usually achieved by identifying the underlying pathology or the associated disease.
- It is recommended to treat underlying insomnia and depression. (Grade 1B)
Medical Therapy
Following medications have minimal to modest role in relieving tinnitus.
- Misoprostol
- Lidocaine (intratympanic or intravenous)
- Benzodiazepine (alprazolam)
- Steroids such as dexamethasone (intratympanic)
- Carbamazepine
Following medications have been studied for tinnitus but are not found to be effective and have no role in the treatment of tinnitus
Surgery
- Cochlear implants may be considered for tinnitus associated with severe sensorineural hearing loss.
Other therapies:
- Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) (Grade 1C)
- Biofeedback (Grade 2C)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as an adjunct to TRT (Grade 2C)
- Acupuncture and electrical stimulation are considered equally effective as placebo, no significant role established so far.
Prevention
- Tinnitus may be been prevented by limiting the exposure to loud noise.
References
- ↑ Minen MT, Camprodon J, Nehme R, Chemali Z (October 2014). "The neuropsychiatry of tinnitus: a circuit-based approach to the causes and treatments available". J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatry. 85 (10): 1138–44. doi:10.1136/jnnp-2013-307339. PMID 24744443.
- ↑ Qiu C, Salvi R, Ding D, Burkard R (January 2000). "Inner hair cell loss leads to enhanced response amplitudes in auditory cortex of unanesthetized chinchillas: evidence for increased system gain". Hear. Res. 139 (1–2): 153–71. doi:10.1016/s0378-5955(99)00171-9. PMID 10601720.
- ↑ Melcher JR, Sigalovsky IS, Guinan JJ, Levine RA (February 2000). "Lateralized tinnitus studied with functional magnetic resonance imaging: abnormal inferior colliculus activation". J. Neurophysiol. 83 (2): 1058–72. doi:10.1152/jn.2000.83.2.1058. PMID 10669517.
- ↑ Lockwood AH, Salvi RJ, Coad ML, Towsley ML, Wack DS, Murphy BW (January 1998). "The functional neuroanatomy of tinnitus: evidence for limbic system links and neural plasticity". Neurology. 50 (1): 114–20. doi:10.1212/wnl.50.1.114. PMID 9443467.
- ↑ Fortune DS, Haynes DS, Hall JW (January 1999). "Tinnitus. Current evaluation and management". Med. Clin. North Am. 83 (1): 153–62, x. doi:10.1016/s0025-7125(05)70094-8. PMID 9927967.
- ↑ Levine RA (1999). "Somatic (craniocervical) tinnitus and the dorsal cochlear nucleus hypothesis". Am J Otolaryngol. 20 (6): 351–62. doi:10.1016/s0196-0709(99)90074-1. PMID 10609479.
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