Tinnitus Flashcards
1
Q
What is tinnitus
A
Ringing and buzzing in the ears is common
2
Q
What other conditions may occur as a result of tinnitus
A
Depression
Insomnia
3
Q
What causes tinnitus
A
Inner ear damage and hearing loss leading to auditory cortex hyperexcitability Wax Excess noise Head injury Otitis media Post stapedectomy Menieres Anaemia (if pulsatile think of carotid artery stenosis or dissection, AV fistulae, Glomus jugulare tumours Drugs
4
Q
What drugs cause tinnitus
A
Aspirin
Loop diuretics
Aminoglycosides
5
Q
What is the mean age of onset of tinnitus
A
40-50yo
6
Q
Which sex does tinnitus affect more?
A
Male
7
Q
Describe the management of tinnitus
A
Exclude serious causes
Psychological support
Cognitive therapy - tinnitus coping training and patient support groups
Drugs - anticonvulsants, misoprostol, hypnotics at night. Betahistine helps only a few if menieres is the cause
Masking - white noise
Hearing aids - amplify desirable sounds
Cochlear nerve dissection - may cause deafness
