Tinnitus Evaluation

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is when a person hears a sound that is not present in the listening environment.  The sound is usually found with damage or a problem in the ear.  It is sometimes found with damage or a problem in the head or neck. That is why it is important to start with an evaluation of the ear and hearing by an audiologist and/or ear-nose-throat doctor.

What is non-bothersome tinnitus?

A person can have tinnitus but may be able to tune it out or ignore it. Once their ears and hearing are evaluated, basic counseling on tinnitus can be offered.   There is no need for a tinnitus evaluation.

What is bothersome tinnitus?

If a person hears a constant or frequent tinnitus, it can negatively impact everyday life.  It can cause problems with annoyance, emotions, relaxation, concentration, listening and getting to sleep or staying asleep.  People with bothersome tinnitus often need help learning to tune it out.  They will benefit from having an ear and hearing evaluation and a tinnitus evaluation.

When is tinnitus evaluated?

Before tinnitus is evaluated, it is important to have an ear and hearing evaluation first to find out if there is hearing loss or other medical problems to address.

What happens during a tinnitus evaluation?

The tinnitus evaluation at our clinic includes the following:

• Review of findings from ear/hearing evaluation;
• Review of medications to determine those with tinnitus as a possible side effect;
• Review of tinnitus, ear, head and neck problems;
• Questionnaires to determine how tinnitus is affecting everyday life;
• Screenings to rule out common problems found with bothersome tinnitus:  anxiety and depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, daytime sleepiness;
• Matching of tinnitus pitch and loudness to computer-generated sounds;
• Discussion of evaluation findings and likely tinnitus cause(s);
• Discussion of management options;
• Determination of patient goals for management;

What are some tinnitus management options?

Tinnitus generally cannot be eliminated or cured.  The main strategy for managing tinnitus is learning to tune it out or habituation.  This can be fostered with use of the following:

• Counseling as to the process of tuning out sounds;
• Sound enrichment or adding low to moderate levels of sound through the use of phone apps, hearing aids or other sound generators to refocus attention to other sounds;
• Cognitive behavioral/counseling strategies or ways to refocus thinking and change negative thoughts through use of phone apps, websites, or counseling with a mental health counselor

FAQs/Summary

• Who should be seen for tinnitus evaluation?
  Persons with bothersome tinnitus will benefit from tinnitus evaluation.
• Is there a cure for tinnitus?
  There is no cure for tinnitus.
• How is bothersome tinnitus managed?
  Sound enrichment and/or cognitive behavioral/counseling strategies