Tinnitus Assessment
A tinnitus assessment is a series of tests and evaluations performed to determine the cause, severity, and impact of tinnitus on a person’s life. The goal is to understand the underlying factors contributing to the condition and guide treatment options.
What is a Tinnitus Assessment?
Medical History Review – Doctors evaluate past health conditions, noise exposure, and medication use that may contribute to tinnitus.
Hearing Tests – Audiometric evaluations measure hearing ability and detect any hearing loss linked to tinnitus.
Tinnitus Sound Matching – Patients identify the pitch and loudness of their tinnitus to help determine its characteristics.
Imaging & Physical Exams – MRI or CT scans may be used if underlying conditions like tumors or vascular issues are suspected.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sounds in the ears or head without an external sound source. It can vary in intensity and pitch, and it may affect one or both ears.
Common causes of tinnitus include:
Exposure to loud noises (e.g., concerts, work environments)
Ear infections or earwax buildup
Age-related hearing loss
Teeth grinding, jaw clenching or TMJ
Head or neck injuries
Medications (like certain antibiotics or aspirin).
What is the treatment?
Tinnitus can be temporary or chronic, and while there’s no universal cure, treatments like sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and managing underlying conditions can help manage symptoms. Tinnitus can sometimes be a symptom of more serious medical issues. The assessment may include imaging or tests to rule out conditions like Meniere’s disease or tumors, providing peace of mind.
