A multidisciplinary European guideline for tinnitus : diagnostics, assessment, and treatment

Abstract

Tinnitus involves the percept of a sound or sounds in the ear or head without an external source. Most individuals experiencing tinnitus have a neutral reaction to the percept. However, for some it becomes a problem. Bothersome (distressing) tinnitus might be better described as a negative emotional and auditory experience, associated with, or described in terms of, actual or potential physical or psychological harm [10]. Objective tinnitus is defined as the perception of a sound which has a physical source generated in or near the ear. An external observer can perceive objective tinnitus. Subjective tinnitus does not involve an identifiable sound source so cannot be heard by examination. It is caused by anomalous activity in the auditory system. Subjective tinnitus is a highly complex condition with a multifactorial origin and, therefore, heterogeneous patient profiles. In most people, tinnitus is not traceable to medical causes.