June 1, 2022 Tinnitus , or ringing in the ears , is the perception of a sound by the ear without an external stimulus, that is, the sound does not originate in the environment around us. About 12%-30% of the adult population report having tinnitus, mainly associated with aging and deafness . However only about 10%-15% go to an otolaryngology consultation. Types of tinnitus Tinnitus can be classified into objective and subjective. Objective tinnitus: It is rarer; Noise is generated by anatomical structures close to the ear; May be audible to the physician. Subjective tinnitus: It is the most frequent; In most situations it is related to hearing loss; Among the causes of subjective tinnitus are, for example, exposure to noise, aging, ototoxic drugs and infections; Subjective tinnitus is only audible by the patient himself. Even when having the same cause, tinnitus does not manifest itself in the same way in all people , nor does have the same consequences. They can be well tolerated or very bothersome with implications for quality of life. Diagnosis and treatment Tinnitus is not a disease, but a symptom that can have several causes and can be present in several diseases. The diagnosis of tinnitus is based on the clinical history and complementary diagnostic tests, such as an audiological evaluation and, if necessary, an imaging evaluation. Treatment varies according to the cause of tinnitus and its impact on the patient quality of life. When to see an otolaryngologist Medical care from an otolaryngologist should be sought when tinnitus: Is chronic (maintains over time), whether unilateral or bilateral; Is associated with hearing loss; There are other manifestations associated with tinnitus; Has an impact on quality of life. This article was written by the Hospital da Luz otorhinolaryngology team. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
