Tinnitus

Question 1

What is tinnitus

Answer 1

Often descibed as ringing in the ear, but can also be buzzing, hissing or humming.

Question 2

Where does the additional noise come from in tinnitus

Answer 2

Background sensory signal produced by the cochlea that is not effectively filtered out by the central auditory system.

Question 3

Causes of primary tinnitus

Answer 3

Has no identifiable cause and often occurs with sensorineural hearing loss

Question 4

Causes of secondary tinnitus

Answer 4

Impacted ear wax
Ear infection
Meniere’s
Noise exposure
Medications
Acoustic neuroma
MS
Trauma
Depression

Question 5

Systemic symptoms tinnitus can be associated with

Answer 5

Anaemia, diabetes, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, hyperlipidaemia

Question 6

What is objective tinnitus

Answer 6

Refers to when the patient can objectively hear an extra sound within their head.

Question 7

Causes of objective tinnitus

Answer 7

Carotid artery stenosis
Aortic stenosis
AV malformations
Eustachian tube dysfunction

Question 8

Assessment of tinnitus

Answer 8

Unilateral or bilateral.
Frequency and duration.
Severity
Pulsatile or non-pulsatile

Question 9

Red flags of tinnitus

Answer 9

Unilateral
Pulsatile
Hyperacusis
Associated sudden onset hearing loss
Associated unilateral hearing loss, dizziness, vertigo, hedaches or visual symptoms.