Tinnitus: questions to reveal the cause, answers to provide relief.

Abstract

T innitus—the perception of sound that does not have an external source—can be constant or intermittent and perceived as ringing, buzzing, hissing, sizzling, roaring, chirping, or other sounds. Acute tinnitus, which can last days or weeks, may be caused by ear infection, medications, head or neck injury, excessive sound exposure, earwax, and changes in blood pressure or metabolism. With appropriate evaluation, such underlying conditions usually can be identified and treated, often with resultant resolution of tinnitus. Chronic tinnitus (persistence for 6 months or more) can also result from these conditions and is more likely to occur in people who have hearing loss. (See Prevalence of tinnitus.) Even though a true “cure” for most cases of chronic tinnitus is not available, patients can obtain relief from the symptom with assistance from clinicians who are familiar with tinnitus management strategies.