Tinnitus (cont.)
How is tinnitus evaluated?
A medical history, physical examination, and a series of special tests can help determine precisely where the tinnitus is originating. It is helpful for the doctor to know if the tinnitus is constant, intermittent or pulsating (synchronous with the heart beat), or is it associated with
hearing loss or loss of balance (vertigo). All patients with persisting unexplained tinnitus need a hearing test (audiogram). Patterns of hearing loss may lead the doctor to the diagnosis.
Other tests, such as the auditory brain stem response (ABR), a computerized test of the hearing nerves and brain pathways, computer tomography scan (CT scan) or, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan) may be needed to rule out a tumor occurring on the hearing or balance nerve. These tumors are rare, but they can cause tinnitus.
What is the treatment of tinnitus?
After a careful
evaluation, your doctor may find an identifiable cause and be able to treat or
make recommendations to treat the tinnitus. Once you have had a thorough
evaluation, an essential part of
treatment is your
own understanding of the tinnitus (what has caused it,
and your
options for treatment).
In many cases, there is no specific treatment for tinnitus. It
may
simply go away on its own, or it may be a permanent disability
that the
patient will have to "live with." Some
otolaryngologists have
recommended niacin to treat
tinnitus. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that niacin helps
reduce tinnitus, and it may cause problems with skin flushing.
Next: Can tinnitus be prevented? »
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