symptoms of ear disorders
ear, nose, and throat disorders
Ear Ringing or Buzzing
Not all tinnitus requires evaluation by a doctor. The following information can help people decide whether a doctor's evaluation is needed and help them know what to expect during the evaluation. Certain symptoms and characteristics are cause for concern. They include Tinnitus in only one ear Any neurologic symptoms (other than hearing loss), particularly difficulty with balance or walking, but also vertigo or difficulty seeing, speaking, swallowing, and/or talking People with warning signs should see a doctor right away. People without warning signs in whom tinnitus recently developed should call their doctor, as should people with pulsatile tinnitus. Most people with tinnitus and no warning signs have had tinnitus for a long time but should see their doctor about it if they have not already done so. In people with tinnitus, doctors first ask questions about the person's symptoms and medical history. Doctors then do a physical examination. What they find during the history and physical examination may suggest a cause of the tinnitus and the tests that may need to be done (see table). During the medical history, doctors ask about the following: The nature of the tinnitus, including whether it is in one or both ears and whether it is constant or pulsatile Whether the person has any neurologic symptoms Whether the person has been exposed to loud noise or to drugs that can affect the ears During the physical examination, doctors focus on examining the ears (including hearing) and the neurologic system. They also listen with a stethoscope over and near the person's ear and on the neck for sounds of objective tinnitus. Doctors may do Testing to evaluate hearing. Most people should have a formal hearing test (including Testing ) done by either the doctor or a hearing specialist (audiologist). People with tinnitus in only one ear and hearing loss should have gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). People with pulsatile tinnitus often require magnetic resonance angiography ( 