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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nTinnitus is a symptom of a wide range of health conditions, and it can occasionally point to a more serious problem that needs professional medical attention. This is why trying to identify a cause is important, even though it may not be possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During a tinnitus evaluation, an audiologist will typically administer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- An in-depth review of your medical history<\/li>
- A complete physical examination of your auditory system<\/li>
- A pure tone and ultra-high frequency audiometry test<\/li>
- Speech reception and word recognition tests<\/li>
- An otoacoustic emissions test<\/li>
- Additional tests, studies and evaluations<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re one of the five percent of Americans suffering from tinnitus that is \u201cmoderately to significantly annoying,\u201d it\u2019s a great idea to visit a hearing specialist for an evaluation. Our team of audiologists is equipped with many tools and strategies to help patients with tinnitus, but first we need to assess your condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What to Expect During an Evaluation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When evaluating a patient with tinnitus, we have several goals we hope to accomplish:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Identify the underlying cause of your tinnitus symptoms<\/li>
- Determine if your tinnitus is subjective or objective<\/li>
- Evaluate how your tinnitus is affecting your speech reception<\/li>
- Assess whether you\u2019re experiencing hyperacusis (sound sensitivity)<\/li>
- Pinpoint the frequency and loudness of the sound you\u2019re hearing.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
One of the goals of an evaluation is to rule out what is not causing your tinnitus symptoms. Some common causes include hearing loss, ear bone changes, inner ear disorders, blood pressure changes due to an underlying condition and even certain medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hearing Assessments for Tinnitus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Audiometric evaluations for tinnitus typically focus on high frequency sounds between 2000 and 4000 Hz. An otoacoustic emissions test can provide a strong indicator for tinnitus as studies have found emissions can be diminished in those<\/a> with tinnitus and hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tinnitus-Related Questionnaires<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Questionnaires your provider may have you take include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Tinnitus Functional Index<\/li>
- Tinnitus Handicap Inventory<\/li>
- Tinnitus & Hearing Survey<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Because tinnitus can be difficult to pinpoint, questionnaires can help to identify causes that a patient may not have considered. The Tinnitus Functional Index is designed to identify the impact of tinnitus on areas from sleep to the ability to relax. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory can help determine the perceived impact tinnitus is having on a patient\u2019s daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Types of Tinnitus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tinnitus only you can hear is called subjective. Subject tinnitus is the most common type and is often caused by ototoxic medications or one of many audiological, neurological, metabolic and psychological conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Objective tinnitus is much rarer and the sound it causes can be heard by the patient and an outside examiner or observer. This type of tinnitus is often tied to underlying vascular or neurological problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tinnitus Treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If we can determine a diagnosis and address the condition causing your tinnitus, we may also be able to treat that condition and relieve your symptoms although tinnitus is not always treatable and may require management instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If we can\u2019t identify a specific cause of your tinnitus, we will recommend other treatment options that can help you to manage and reduce your tinnitus symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n