What does tinnitus sound like?
Are there different types of tinnitus?
Non-pulsatile tinnitus:
This is the most common type of tinnitus.
The sound is not periodic. It can either continuous sounds or not, it can also be either a bass sound or a high-pitched sound, or a combination of both. This type of tinnitus can only be heard by the person who suffers.
Pulsatile tinnitus:
These are sounds repeated at fixed intervals. Several times they have the rhythm of a heartbeat. They are sounds that can be heard by the person suffering from tinnitus and also by the doctor using a stethoscope. This type of tinnitus is less common and is usually caused by pathologies or anatomical variations that produce sound in or near the ear.
How often do they occur?
Tinnitus occurs at different rates in different age groups and occupational groups. The following rates are indicative.
Conductive hearing loss
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Otosclerosis
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Ear wax - impacted
Sensorineural type hearing loss
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Noise/music exposure hearing loss
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Presbyacusis
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Meniere's disease
Other symptoms
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Hyperacusis etc
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Anxiety
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Fear
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Depression etc.
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Thyroid disorders
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Anemia
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Trauma
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Tumors
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Vascular abnormalities
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Medications
How is tinnitus assessed in the clinic?
A detailed evaluation of the history and clinical examination is mandatory. The duration of the visit is about an hour. In the majority of cases repeat visits will be needed.
None of the tests is painful but they are quite time-consuming. Therefore when you book an appointment you have to arrange to have time. Valid and reliable questionnaires are also used in order to assess how the person with the condition perceives their degree of tinnitus , what areas of their life are affected. Some of them are also used in order to evaluate and monitor the outcome.
Medical history
Clinical Examination
Audiological Test Blood tests and imaging might be required
Questionnaires
What to expect after the visit in terms of tinnitus? What is the treatment?
There is currently no medication for the treatment of tinnitus. There are some supplement that could be used.
During the visit, a detailed audiological examination and diagnosis is performed, while specific instructions and "management " options are given.
The time of treatment of tinnitus always depends on the cause. Usually tinnitus is treated over a long period of time and the reduction of discomfort from tinnitus can take several weeks or even months.
This depends on
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the type of tinnitus
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the duration
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and possible coexisting pathologies
Good cooperation between the therapist and the patient is of great importance for the outcome. Individual effort under guidance for tinnitus is a helpful way of dealing with tinnitus.
The aim is to eliminate the tinnitus, but even if this is not possible, the aim is to reduce the intensity and discomfort of the tinnitus so that the person is able to function in daily life. Sometimes it is necessary to have the cooperation of health professionals from different fields for a better outcome.
What should the person suffering from tinnitus expect during /after the visit to the clinic?
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A detailed ENT / audiological assessment . Diagnosis and treatment options
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Tailor made instructions to be given
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Relief from tinnitus takes time and can take weeks or even months
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Good cooperation between the therapist and the patient is of great importance for the outcome of tinnitus
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Individual, guided effort for tinnitus is a helpful way of coping
