Tinnitust

Tinnitust is a term that may be used to describe tinnitus, the perception of sound in the absence of external auditory stimulation. In most clinical contexts, tinnitus is considered a symptom rather than a disease, and it can be experienced as ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling, or other sounds.

Most cases are related to cochlear or neural damage, often linked to noise exposure, age-related hearing loss, ear infections, or ototoxic medications. Other contributors include head or neck trauma, Meniere's disease, temporomandibular joint disorders, vascular abnormalities, and certain medications. Tinnitus can be classified as subjective (heard only by the patient) or objective (also audible to a clinician in rare cases, usually due to vascular or muscular causes).

Evaluation includes history, physical examination, and audiology testing. Audiometry helps determine coexisting hearing loss. In cases of pulsatile or objective tinnitus, imaging or vascular studies may be indicated to identify underlying conditions such as vascular malformations or tumors.

Management is individualized. There is no universal cure. Strategies include treating underlying conditions when possible, sound therapy (maskers, hearing aids with sound generators, or background noise), cognitive behavioral therapy and other forms of counseling, tinnitus retraining therapy, and lifestyle measures (noise protection, stress management, good sleep). Some patients benefit from medications for comorbid anxiety or depression, though drugs do not reliably reduce tinnitus itself. Newer approaches such as neuromodulation and targeted therapies are under study.

Prevalence estimates vary but tinnitus affects a substantial portion of adults, with higher rates among older adults and those with hearing loss. While most cases are mild and intermittent, a minority experience persistent, bothersome tinnitus that can impact quality of life and sleep. Prognosis depends on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of management strategies.