Tinnitus

Question 1

What causes primary tinnitus?

Answer 1

No identifiable cause (but is often associated with sensorineural hearing loss)

Question 2

What causes secondary tinnitus?

Answer 2

• Ear pathology, e.g. impacted wax, infection
• Ototoxic medications, e.g. loop diuretics, gentamicin, cisplatin
• Noise exposure

Question 3

Describe the management of tinnitus

Answer 3

• Tends to improve/resolve over time without interventions
• Treat underlying cause (if possible) e.g. impacted ear wax
• Measures to help manage symptoms, e.g. sound therapy, CBT