Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a nonspecific symptom that is produced by a wide range of diseases. If the underlying disease processes are treated with the help of surgery, such as in vestibular schwannoma or otosclerosis, or if medication is administered for infectious processes, such as otitis, the tinnitus may resolve. However, when the treatable and life-threatening causes are excluded, the mainstay of management may only be reassurance and psychological support. Physicians frequently can only attempt to reduce the impact of disease on a patient's life.