[Epidemiological-clinical study of tinnitus in the ambulatory care setting]

A questionnaire was distributed to 100 consecutive patients who consulted for tinnitus as their main complaint in a general ear, nose and throat clinic. The usefulness of the questionnaire as a tool for quickly obtaining pertinent data about the patientís history was established. Epidemiological and clinical findings that may help the clinician reach a diagnosis, prescribe complementary studies, initiate treatment, and continue follow-up are described.