ForgotPassword?
Sign Up
Search this Topic:
Posts: 1430
06/15/10 4:34 PM
Jurate -- I agree with a lot of what you wrote but I also think being examined by an ENT, neurotologist, or otoneurologist can help determine if there is an associated medical condition which explains one’s tinnitus. While it is true that ENTs are not well-versed in the basics of tinnitus, are not good sources of information on how to ‘learn to live with it’, and typically can't recommend a helpful book to read or a place to go to learn more about the condition, we go to ENTs to determine if we have another medical condition which, if treated, could help relieve the tinnitus. Tinnitus is a symptom of some kind of pathology in one’s auditory system. If there is an underlying medical condition, perhaps there is also a medical or surgical intervention that will help ameliorate the tinnitus symptom. In their excellent book The Psychological Management of Chronic Tinnitus, Jane Henry and Peter Wilson write the need "for independent medical investigation of the tinnitus problem cannot be overemphasized." They note, in addition to an ENT and audiologist, a referral to a specialist in neurology, ophthalmology, dentistry, or other discipline may be called for. This is particularly important for patients who have had a recent illness or injury or a history of previous illnesses (such as cancer or vascular disorders), or if the tinnitus is accompanied "by unusual features such as short stabbing aches, continuous head pain, dizziness or unusual physical sensations." An audiological exam is important because tinnitus can result from various problems in the auditory system or may be due to an inflammation of the external ear, Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, perforation of the tympanic membrane, hemorrhage of the ear capillaries, and labyrinthitis. Tinnitus can be symptomatic of Meniere's disease or an early symptom of an acoustic neuroma (i.e., a brain tumor). It can be associated with diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, or cardiovascular disorders. Pulsatile tinnitus, a type of tinnitus which varies with the cardiac rate, can be indicative of a vascular tumor. Tinnitus can also occur in concert with TMJ dysfunction, anomalies of the musculature of the head and neck, and other myofacial pain disorders. When tinnitus is accompanied by a clicking jaw, facial pain, and headaches, a referral to a dentist can be in order to see if the patient has TMJ. rob x 2
Share This