Tinnitus

Question 1

What is tinnitus

Answer 1

Ringing and buzzing in the ears is common

Question 2

What other conditions may occur as a result of tinnitus

Answer 2

Depression

Insomnia

Question 3

What causes tinnitus

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What drugs cause tinnitus

Answer 4

Aspirin
Loop diuretics
Aminoglycosides

Question 5

What is the mean age of onset of tinnitus

Answer 5

40-50yo

Question 6

Which sex does tinnitus affect more?

Answer 6

Male

Question 7

Describe the management of tinnitus

Answer 7

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