Tinnitus management in the profoundly and totally deaf

Abstract

Tinnitus is a common symptom of many cochlear or auditory system pathologies. Since tinnitus is frequently associated with a sensorineural hearing loss, it is not surprising that a large proportion of profoundly and totally deaf patients describe tinnitus as a symptom. The clinical management of severe tinnitus in these patients is discussed with particular emphasis on the use of electrical stimulation. While cochlear implants appear to provide a measure of relief when being used, significant improvements in the management of severe tinnitus will only occur when we have a greater understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, diagnostic procedures that can accurately establish the site of tinnitus generation, and more objective clinical trial procedures that include the use of controls.