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Neuro-otological findings in tinnitus patients with normal hearing
C Morales-Garcia1, G Quiroz, J M Matamala
1Department of Neuro-Otology, University of Chile School of Medicine, Salvador Hospital, Santiago, Chile. cvmoralesg@vtr.net
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|December 17, 2009
Summary
Tinnitus in normal-hearing individuals is uncommon. This study found unilateral canal paresis, a vestibular abnormality, in most patients, suggesting it may be the sole indicator of cochlear or cochleo-vestibular lesions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
Background:
- Tinnitus is typically linked to hearing loss, making normal-hearing tinnitus cases unusual.
- Neuro-otological findings in normal-hearing tinnitus patients have not been well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and analyze neuro-otological examination results in patients experiencing tinnitus despite having normal hearing.
- To identify potential underlying causes or indicators in this specific patient group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 17 tinnitus patients with normal hearing over a 10-year period.
- Comparison of neuro-otological findings with a control group of 17 normal subjects without tinnitus.
Main Results:
- The primary neuro-otological abnormality identified was abnormal caloric test results.
- Unilateral canal paresis was observed in 15 out of 17 tinnitus patients.
- Caloric tests were normal in 15 out of 17 control subjects.
Conclusions:
- Tinnitus may be the isolated clinical sign of a cochlear or cochleo-vestibular lesion.
- Unilateral canal paresis can be the sole abnormal finding in neuro-otological examinations for such patients.
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