Tinnitus

Question 1

What is tinnitus

Answer 1

The perception of sound in the absence of external stimuli. Could be buzzing, hissing, roaring, clicking

Question 2

Objective tinnitus

Answer 2

It is very uncommon, often pulsatile. It is blood related and is produced by structure in or around the ear, may be heard by examiner whilst under investigation.

Question 3

Risk factors of tinnitus

Answer 3

Working in loud places
Loud music
Smoking
Medicine some medical conditions
Wax

Question 4

Treatments of tinnitus

Answer 4

Hearing aids
Counselling and rehab
Masking devices
Tinnitus retraining therapy
Noise generators
CBT

Question 5

Purposes of acoustic stimulation for tinnitus

Answer 5

Masking: attempt to cover up perception of tinnitus with externally generated sound
Active listening: focusing
Passive listening: patient does nothing purposefully to attend to an acoustic stimuli

Question 6

Hearing aids for tinnitus

Answer 6

Amplification means external sounds can provide sufficient auditory nervous system activity to reduce the perception of tinnitus. 3 benefits: less awareness of tinnitus. Improves communication and potential of restoring neural function.

Question 7

Therapy for tinnitus

Answer 7

Negative emotional attachment to tinnitus. Therapies change negative emotions into positive ones.

Question 8

TRT: tinnitus retraining therapy

Answer 8

A form of habituation therapy. Noise generators are used to provide background noise level. Minimum of 12 months of treatment

Question 9

CBT for tinnitus

Answer 9

Similar to TRT. Helps patients perception. If their tinnitus. Stress leads to tinnitus so less stress = tinnitus reduced.