Tinnitus and its management

A comprehensive classification system is required for tinnitus because of its diverse aetiologies. Prevalence depends on the degree of tinnitus considered, ranging from close to 100% if non-clinical tinnitus is included to 0.5% who are severely affected. Severity probably depends more on the patient's reaction than on tin nitus loudness. Apart from aetiological and general audiological investigations, measurements of tinnitus are useful—particularly those relating to its maskability. Management methods include: (1) explanation of cause, nature and prognosis; (2) treatment of the cause if possible (rarely); (3) various psychological measures such as cognitive therapy, relaxation training therapy sometimes supplemented by biofeedback, lay counselling or hypnotherapy; (4) hearing aid(s) and/or tin nitus masker(s); (5) drugs to reduce the tinnitus or its effects.