Tinnitus - Characteristics and Therapy

Many papers have been published so far that the need for an updated review prompted the author to write this article and to describe historical perspective, characteristics, epidemiology, causes, pathophysiology, and treatments of tinnitus. Despite of the common opinion, this one of the most annoying of ear disorders, has been known from the Antiquity. Nowadays, it touches about 11% of population of Western Europe. Tinnitus, as the complex symptom, is associated with other annoying ear disorders. While indication of its reason is very often impossible, the factors contributing to the development of disorder were determined. Several theories explaining the mechanism of tinnitus have showed that extensive levels of nervous system may be involved in its generation. Although no convincing treatment is available, some alleviating therapies are recommended. They can be divided into two categories: relieving of its severity and reduction of its intensity