What is Tinnitis?

"Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present; it is often referred to as 'ringing in the ears.'  It can also take the form of hissing, roaring, whistling, chirping or clicking. The noise can be intermittent or constant, with single or multiple tones; it can be subtle or at a life-shattering level. It can strike people of all ages and, for most, it is difficult to treat." 

"There are currently over 50 million Americans who are affected by tinnitus to some degree. Of these, about 12 million suffer severely enough to seek medical attention. About one million sufferers are so seriously debilitated that they cannot function on a 'normal,' day-to-day basis"

This disorder can result from frequent exposure to high noise levels, or it may be associated with certain medical conditions (particularly of the inner or middle ear), medications, or allergies. 

How is Tinnitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis may be complicated by overlap of symptoms with several disorders including fibromyalgia or multiple sclerosis. 

"The following investigations may be useful in establishing the diagnosis. 

  •  Audiogram to assess associated hearing loss 
  •  BAER test, Rinne test, Weber test
  •  Computed tomography [CT] of the temporal bones to discount the presence of an acoustic neuroma 
  •  Cerebral angiography if a vascular tumour of other vascular cause is suspected. "
How is Tinnitis Treated?

There is no reliable cure for tinnitus in all patients. However, several treatment options exist that offer varying levels of relief to many sufferers. Treatment options include: 

• biofeedback 
• hearing aids 
• medication 
• masking 
• Tinnitus Retraining Therapy
• TMJ treatment 
Surgery may be performed in tinnitus caused by acoustic neuromas, vascular abnormalities, and TMJ syndrome.   Treatment for the disorder may also be coordinated with carefully selected medication for depression in some patients.

Where Can I Find a Healthcare Professional Who Treats Tinitis?

The Treatment Team at WPAHS
Moises A. Arriaga, M.D.,   Adjunct Associate Professor of Surgery   (Otolaryngology and Neurosurgery), MCP Hahnemann University
  • Medical Career and Accomplishments
  • Treatment Interests: Neurotology/otology; facial nerve disorders; balance disorders; hearing loss; skull base tumors; Meniere's Disease, Vertigo & Tinnitis
  • Publications (Abstracts from Pub Med) 
  • To contact Dr. Arriaga
    • Douglas Chen, M.D. Adjunct Assistant Professor of Surgery (ENT), Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University 
  • Medical Career and Accomplishments
  • Treatment Interests: Meniere's Disease, Vertigo and Tintinitis
  • Publications (Vitae) 

    • To contact Dr. Chen
    Patient Support Groups and Bulletin Boards
    The American Tinnitis Association maintains a national network of support groups.  This network list is available to ATA donors.

    On-Line Support Groups for Vestibular Disorders, including Meniere's, provided by The Vestibular Disorders Association

    T-FAQ -- http://www.bixby.org/faq/tinnitus.html -- Tinnitis Frequently Asked Questions.  Site contains many patient-to-patient inputs and USENET News postings.  Although not updated since 1997,  there is a great deal of information here.  Site has won an award from the American Audiology Academy. 

    Additional Information on the Internet
    American Tinnitis Association

    Australian Tinnitus Association -- http://www.tinnitus.asn.au/

    Action for Tinnitus -- in the UK, -- http://www.tinnitus-research.org/ -- Advocacy group for expanded research and greater public and professional awareness of the disorder.

    Martha Entenmann Tinnitus Research Center, Inc -- http://www.tinnituscenter.com/ -- non profit organization trying to promote focussed research in particular therapies. 

    link discovery by Eve Katuna, 
    Charleston County School System, SC

    Also Useful:  "Face Pain Resources"
    "Syndromes" -- by Cindy Fleishman

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    Every effort has been made by the author(s) to provide accurate, up-to-date information. However, the medical knowledge base is dynamic and errors can occur. By using the information contained herein, the viewer willingly assumes all risks in connection with such use.  Neither the author nor WPAHS shall be held  responsible for errors, omissions in information herein nor liable for any special, consequential, or exemplary damages resulting, in whole or in part, from any  viewer(s)' use of or reliance upon, this material. 
     
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    Face Pain Overview  * Trigeminal Neuralgia *  Hemifacial Spasm  * Meniere's Disease  * Vertigo * Tinnitis * Hypertension * Torticalis and Spasmodic Torticalis

    For questions or comments, please contact:
    aghneuro@wpahs.org * Department of Neurosurgery *
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    Pittsburgh, PA 15212 * (412) 359-6200 * 
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    Last Updated: August 31, 2000
    Site Content Developed By; Richard A. "Red" Lawhern, Ph.D.
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