Tinnitus and Hyperacusis

Chronic tinnitus is a symptom that can have a negative impact on an individual. It is often described as ringing in ears. Tinnitus can be subjective or objective, pulsatile or non-pulsatile. History taking is an essential tool while evaluating those patients, and counseling is a crucial element in the management. Hyperacusis, which is an unusual tolerance to ordinary environmental sounds, can have a negative psychological impact on the patient too, and that can lead him to be housebound in severe cases. There are different etiologies and medical conditions that can cause tinnitus or hyperacusis, and in some cases, both conditions can coexist with each other. This chapter discusses both of these entities. It describes the risk factors, possible etiologies, pathophysiology, the investigation needed in evaluating patients presenting with them, and the available treatment options.