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The diagnosis of tinnitus is usually based on a patient's description of the symptoms they are experiencing. [3] Such a diagnosis is commonly supported by an audiogram, and an otolaryngological and neurological examination. [1] [3] How much tinnitus interferes with a person's life may be quantified with questionnaires. [3]
It charts the thresholds of hearing sensitivity at a selection of standard frequencies between 250 and 8000 Hz. There is also high frequency pure tone audiometry which tests frequencies from 8000 to 20,000 Hz. PTA can be used to differentiate between conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss and mixed hearing loss.
The prognosis has improved with the recent advancements in digital hearing aid technology, such as directional microphones, open-fit hearing aids, and more advanced algorithms. Hearing aids can mask or cover up the tinnitus, and many with hearing loss and tinnitus find relief by using hearing aids. [ 136 ]
Thalamocortical dysrhythmia (TCD) is a theoretical framework in which neuroscientists try to explain the positive and negative symptoms induced by neuropsychiatric disorders like Parkinson's Disease, neurogenic pain, tinnitus, visual snow syndrome, schizophrenia, obsessive–compulsive disorder, depressive disorder and epilepsy.
It is typically experienced as a secondary symptom of sensorineural hearing loss, although not all patients with sensorineural hearing loss experience diplacusis or tinnitus. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] The onset is usually spontaneous and can occur following an acoustic trauma , for example an explosive noise, or in the presence of an ear infection . [ 3 ]
In some cases, tinnitus may become a permanent condition. [10] There is no specific study done on Life Expectancy or statistical information for the prognosis of acoustic trauma. Overall, depending on how powerful the noise was and how and what degree of the severity, the prognosis is quite difficult to predict. [11]
Acoustic shock is the set of symptoms a person may experience after hearing an unexpected, loud sound. The loud sound, called an acoustic incident, can be caused by feedback oscillation, fax tones, or signalling tones. Telemarketers and call centre employees are thought to be most at risk. [1]
Note: The complete anatomy of the human ear is extensive, and can be divided into the inner ear and outer ear. The remainder of this article mainly references the cochlea, outer hair cells, and organ of Corti. In general, structural damages to any anatomical part of the human ear can cause hearing-related problems.