Tinnitus: Clinical Evaluation and Management
- Dr. Saad Alharbi — Associated with Second Jeddah Health Cluster, Saudi Arabia
ENT
Tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external auditory stimulus, can significantly affect sleep, concentration, emotional well-being, and quality of life. Clinical evaluation should establish its onset, duration, laterality, associated hearing loss, noise exposure, medication history, and presence of pulsatile symptoms. Otoscopy, audiological assessment, and targeted imaging may be required to identify underlying causes and exclude significant pathology. Management depends on the clinical findings and may include treating associated conditions, hearing aids, tinnitus retraining therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and sound-based interventions. Recognizing red flags, particularly sudden hearing loss and unilateral or pulsatile tinnitus, is essential for timely referral and appropriate care.