OBJECTIVE TINNITUS

objective tinnitus: translation

The term objective tinnitus refers to a rare type of * tinnitus (i.e. 'ringing in the ears') characterized by a click or a crackling noise that can be perceived not only by the individual affected but also by a third person, either with the aid of a stethoscope, in the areas surrounding the ear, or without the use of any artificial aids - as emanating from the affected individual's ear. It has been estimated that objective tinnitus makes up no more than 5% of all cases of tinnitus. Objective tinnitus is attributed to a variety of muscular and vascular conditions. It may present as a sound that beats simultaneously with the individual's pulse, in which case it is called * pulsatile tinnitus. The term objective tinnitus is used in opposition to * subjective tinnitus, which denotes a type of tinnitus that can only be perceived by the affected individual.

Henry, J.A., Dennis, K.C., Schechter, M.A. (2005). General review of tinnitus. Prevalence, mechanisms, effects, and management.Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 48, 1204-1235.