Objective Tinnitus Concomitant with Eye Blinking: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neuroscience
• Audiology

Background:

• Tinnitus is a common auditory symptom, often subjective and linked to otological conditions.
• Objective tinnitus, unlike subjective tinnitus, originates from non-auditory sources like vascular, myogenic, or eustachian tube issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a rare case of intermittent unilateral tinnitus associated with eye blinking.
• To review the literature on objective tinnitus and its potential causes.

Main Methods:

• Otoendoscopic examination to assess the external auditory canals and tympanic membranes.
• Impedance audiometry, including tympanometry and stapedial reflexes, to evaluate middle ear function.
• Observation of tympanic membrane movement correlated with eyelid blinking.

Main Results:

• Otoendoscopic examination revealed normal external auditory canals and tympanic membranes.
• Rhythmic movements of both tympanic membranes were observed during eye blinking, coinciding with tinnitus episodes.
• Impedance audiometry showed characteristic saw-tooth patterns in tympanometry and stapedial reflexes, confirming tympanic membrane movement linked to blinking.

Conclusions:

• The case demonstrates a rare instance of objective tinnitus caused by the mechanical linkage between eyelid blinking and tympanic membrane movement.
• Conservative management, including reassurance and medication, proved effective in controlling the symptoms.
• This case highlights the importance of considering para-auditory structures in the etiology of objective tinnitus.