1. Kelly C. Waldvogel, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology Northwestern Medicine

2.  What is tinnitus?  What causes tinnitus?  Factors that influence tinnitus.  How do we manage tinnitus?

3.  /’tinit ə s,ti’n ī -/  Sounds heard in the ear(s) that are not present in the environment; “ringing in the ears”; phantom perceptions  Hissing, roaring, static, crickets, screeching, sirens, whooshing, pulsing, ocean waves, buzzing, clicking, etc.

4.  “normal tinnitus” having occasional tinnitus that lasts a short time and goes away on its own  Significant tinnitus-having constant tinnitus, but it may fluctuate from day to day  Subjective tinnitus: meaning only the person can hear it 95%  Objective tinnitus: an examiner can hear it using a stethoscope 5%

5.  Approximately 15% of the world population has tinnitus  10-20% of people seek medical help  70-90% of individuals with tinnitus show some hearing deficit when tested  The incidence and prevalence of tinnitus increases with age and severity of hearing loss

6. Outer ear disorders Inner ear disorders Cardiovascular disease High blood pressure Multiple sclerosis Kidney transplant/renal disease Lyme disease Zinc deficiency Poor circulation Hypothyroid/hyperthy roid disorders High cholesterol Vascular disorders Jaw joint disorders Cervical or neck disorders Certain medications *If an individual has one of the above, it does not mean that they will have tinnitus

7.  Hearing loss Outer/Middle Ear: ear wax, allergies, middle ear infection, etc Inner Ear: hearing loss, noise exposure, etc

8.  Difficulties arise when individuals experience the following as a result of tinnitus: Difficulty sleeping and/or concentrating Focusing/concentrating on speech Anxiety Frustration, depression Annoyance, irritation Stress

9.  Regardless of the initial cause of the tinnitus it is perceived and processed in the brain  Because most people with tinnitus also show some hearing loss it is thought that it is related to auditory deprivation Similar to phantom limb syndrome  Additionally, activation of the limbic or emotional system also contributes to tinnitus

10. Auditory or Hearing Area Limbic or Emotional Area

11.  Visit an Audiologist  Discussion of the time frame of tinnitus symptoms and other associated symptoms  Hearing evaluation is completed  Recommendations of treatment and management for tinnitus and/or hearing loss Referral to other medical providers as needed

12.  There are currently no proven medications that treat tinnitus  HOWEVER, there are MANY ways to help manage tinnitus and an individuals reaction to tinnitus Hearing Devices with or without hearing loss Use of sound in quiet environments Relaxation techniques

13. Audiology Services-Department of Otolaryngology 675 North Saint Clair Street, Galter 15-200 Chicago, IL 60611

14.  Coles, R.R. (1984) Epidemiology of tinnitus. J Laryngol Otol Suppl. 9, 7-15  Dobie, R.A. (2004). Overview: suffering from tinnitus. In: Snow JB, editor. Tinnitus:Theory and Management. Lewiston, NY: BC Deker Inc. 1-7  National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (2001, February) The noise in your ears: Facts about tinnitus (NIH Pub No 00-4896). Bethesda, MD  Sweetow, R.W. (2000) Cognitive-behavior modifiction In: Tyler RS. Editor. Tinnitus Handbook. San Diego: Singular Publishing Group, 297-311  Sweetow, R.W. and Widex A/S(2012) Widex Zen Therapy: Managing the effects of tinnitus.  All Images were obtained from Google Images