Kelly C. Waldvogel, Au.D.
Doctor of Audiology
Northwestern Medicine





What is tinnitus?
What causes tinnitus?
Factors that influence tinnitus.
How do we manage tinnitus?




/’tinit ə s,ti’n ī -/
Sounds heard in the ear(s) that are not present in the environment; “ringing in the ears”; phantom perceptions
Hissing, roaring, static, crickets, screeching, sirens, whooshing, pulsing, ocean waves, buzzing, clicking, etc.





“normal tinnitus” having occasional tinnitus that lasts a short time and goes away on its own
Significant tinnitus-having constant tinnitus, but it may fluctuate from day to day
Subjective tinnitus: meaning only the person can hear it
• 95%
Objective tinnitus: an examiner can hear it using a stethoscope
• 5%





Approximately 15% of the world population has tinnitus
10-20% of people seek medical help
70-90% of individuals with tinnitus show some hearing deficit when tested
The incidence and prevalence of tinnitus increases with age and severity of hearing loss

•
•
•
•
•
• Outer ear disorders
Inner ear disorders
Cardiovascular disease
High blood pressure
Multiple sclerosis
Kidney transplant/renal disease
•
•
•
•
•
• Poor circulation
Hypothyroid/hyperthy roid disorders
High cholesterol
Vascular disorders
Jaw joint disorders
Cervical or neck disorders
Certain medications
• Lyme disease
•
• Zinc deficiency
*If an individual has one of the above, it does not mean that they will have tinnitus


•
• Outer/Middle Ear: ear wax, allergies, middle ear infection, etc
Inner Ear: hearing loss, noise exposure, etc


Difficulties arise when individuals experience the following as a result of tinnitus:
•
•
•
•
•
• Difficulty sleeping and/or concentrating
Focusing/concentrating on speech
Anxiety
Frustration, depression
Annoyance, irritation
Stress




Regardless of the initial cause of the tinnitus it is perceived and processed in the brain
Because most people with tinnitus also show some hearing loss it is thought that it is related to auditory deprivation
• Similar to phantom limb syndrome
Additionally, activation of the limbic or emotional system also contributes to tinnitus

Auditory or Hearing Area
Limbic or Emotional Area





Visit an Audiologist
Discussion of the time frame of tinnitus symptoms and other associated symptoms
Hearing evaluation is completed
Recommendations of treatment and management for tinnitus and/or hearing loss
• Referral to other medical providers as needed



There are currently no proven medications that treat tinnitus
HOWEVER, there are MANY ways to help manage tinnitus and an individuals reaction to tinnitus
•
•
• Hearing Devices with or without hearing loss
Use of sound in quiet environments
Relaxation techniques

Audiology Services-Department of
Otolaryngology
675 North Saint Clair Street, Galter 15-200
Chicago, IL 60611







Coles, R.R. (1984) Epidemiology of tinnitus. J Laryngol Otol
Suppl. 9, 7-15
Dobie, R.A. (2004). Overview: suffering from tinnitus. In:
Snow JB, editor. Tinnitus:Theory and Management. Lewiston,
NY: BC Deker Inc. 1-7
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication
Disorders (2001, February) The noise in your ears: Facts
about tinnitus (NIH Pub No 00-4896). Bethesda, MD
Sweetow, R.W. (2000) Cognitive-behavior modifiction In:
Tyler RS. Editor. Tinnitus Handbook. San Diego: Singular
Publishing Group, 297-311
Sweetow, R.W. and Widex A/S(2012) Widex Zen Therapy:
Managing the effects of tinnitus.
All Images were obtained from Google Images