Otolaryngology: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Purpose: Tinnitus is very common among the patients that will knock on the door of your clinic, and, although it is very common among the hearing impaired population, specific treatment for tinnitus is not provided in most clinics. In this presentation we will try to provide a simplified and methodic treatment plan that can be adopted and implemented in most ENT clinics. Method: In order to establish a tinnitus clinic, the tinnitus specialist should set an overall plan regarding the type and degree of tinnitus management. A multilevel assessment of the tinnitus is set, and it comprises of measurement of tinnitus and of the reaction a patient has to the tinnitus, including the use of questionnaires. Management typically involves counseling and therapy. In order to manage tinnitus, we take into consideration different areas, such as thoughts and emotions, hearing and communication, sleep, and concentration. Conclusions: Otolaryngologists are trained, other than to provide therapy, also to provide counseling to treat tinnitus patients. Our aim is to establish a treatment of 3 stages directed to the different patient categories, such as bothered, concerned, or distressed. Most cases should also include and follow up, whereas the more severe ones should also be referred to other specialties.

Biography

Aikaterini Fragkou is an accredited ENT & HNS Consultant, with more than 10 years of clinical experience. PhD holder, with a strong academic background on evidence based medicine she shows a strong interest in otology, rhinology and voice pathology. She has a strong presence in many reputed medical journals. She is actually serving as a Consultant ENT & HNS in Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and is in strong collaboration with the ENT dept. of the National University of Athens, Greece.