[Tinnitus--etiology, diagnosis and treatment]

Tinnitus is the sensation of sound, a sensation generated by the auditory system because of a pathology, without any external acoustic or electrical stimulation. 15% of the adult population have experienced shorter or longer periods of tinnitus. Three percent of these, in total about 7,000-10,000 persons in Norway, suffer from continuous tinnitus followed by symptoms that demonstrate handicap or occupational disability. The authors discuss the cause of tinnitus and its relation to different kinds of hearing loss. Treatment is dependent on a specific diagnosis. There is no universal medical or surgical treatment. Today, cognitive therapy is emphasised, to the tinnitus patients to understand what causes the tinnitus, to accept the condition and to inform them about relaxation techniques. Physical therapy and training are also emphasised. Active treatment with regular counselling can reduce the occupational and social disabilities.