Tinnitus Testing

Tinnitus is defined as a ringing or buzzing in the ears. It often isn’t something that can be cured, but we can tell you about tinnitus testing and the condition itself. Tinnitus can usually be diagnosed by symptoms alone, but your doctor needs to figure out if an underlying issue is a cause to treat it.

Diagnosis

To determine if the underlying cause, your doctor will likely ask about your medical history and then examine your ears, head, and neck. Standard tests include a hearing exam, movement, imaging tests, or lab tests. Tinnitus comes in different forms made of types of noises. Do your best to describe which kind of noises you hear. These tests help the doctor determine if there’s another issuing causing the tinnitus. Everyday noises include clicking, pulsing, rushing, humming, low-pitched, and high-pitched ringing.

Prepare for Your Appointment

You should come to your appointment ready to discuss your signs and symptoms. You also need to discuss your medical history, including any health conditions you or your family has experienced, such as hearing loss, high blood pressure, or clogged arteries. Bring a list of your current medications, including herbal remedies. Here is a list of questions you can expect from your doctor:

• When did you begin experiencing symptoms?
• What does the noise you hear sound like?
• Do you hear it in one or both ears?
• Has the sound you hear been continuous, or does it come and go?
• How loud is the noise?
• How much does the noise bother you?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
• Have you been exposed to loud noises?
• Have you had an ear disease or head injury?

The Tinnitus Test

A tinnitus test is a series of questions the doctor will have you answer to understand your condition better. Here is an example list of questions a test contains:

1. Because of your tinnitus, is it difficult for you to concentrate?
2. Because of your tinnitus, do you have trouble falling to sleep at night?
3. Does your tinnitus interfere with your ability to enjoy your social activities?
4. Because of your tinnitus, is it difficult for you to read?
5. Do you find it difficult to focus your attention away from your tinnitus and on other things?
6. Does your tinnitus make you feel anxious?
7. Does your tinnitus get worse when you are under stress?

You will receive an evaluation of your test results afterward, discussing the impact or severity of your tinnitus. Sometimes a recommendation is included based on your results as well.

We hope this information helps you understand tinnitus testing a little more and what to expect from the condition, a test, and a doctor’s visit. If you feel like you’re struggling with tinnitus, call East Texas Sinus and Dizziness Center today! We will set you up with a consultation to evaluate your condition.