How Do Doctors Diagnose Tinnitus?
Published: Mar 19, 2024
Diagnosing tinnitus involves a series of steps to understand its cause. Discover the methods doctors use to get to the root of the ringing.
Initial Evaluation
The first step in diagnosing tinnitus is a thorough history and physical examination. Doctors look for medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors that could contribute to tinnitus.
Audiometric Tests
Audiometric tests are essential to determine whether tinnitus is related to hearing issues. These tests assess the function of the middle ear, cochlea, and brainstem.

Imaging Studies
When tinnitus is suspected to be vascular or neurological, imaging studies like MRI or CT scans are used. These tests help identify any abnormalities in the auditory pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
A thorough history and physical examination.
Yes, they help determine if tinnitus is hearing-related.
For suspected vascular or neurological causes.
Conclusion
A comprehensive diagnosis is key to effective management of tinnitus.
References
- Forsting M. CTA of the ICA bifurcation and intracranial vessels. Eur Radiol 2005; 15 Suppl 4:D25.
- Tunkel DE, Bauer CA, Sun GH, et al. Clinical practice guideline: tinnitus executive summary. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2014; 151:533.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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