Otolaryngology: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Tinnitus is an auditory phenomenon where sound is perceived in the absence of an external stimulus. This symptom affects 1 in 5 people. The majority of sufferers have subjective tinnitus and not objective tinnitus (where others can also hear the sound). Tinnitus can be unilateral or bilateral. The most common cause is hearing loss. Tinnitus can be beneficial when it is used as a warning sign in patients who are prone to noise induced hearing loss (e.g., those working in industries without protection of their hearing). The management should be directed towards the underlying cause and includes a detailed case history, head and neck examination, measurement of auditory function with a hearing test, and identification of associated symptoms. Though eventually many people become habituated to tinnitus, it can negatively impact the quality of life. In a small percentage of all affected people, the tinnitus can be severe enough to cause depression and anxiety. In recent years, cochlear implantation is being increasingly used to reduce tinnitus in eligible candidates, especially those with either associate unilateral or bilateral severe to profound hearing loss.

Biography

Kumaresh Krishnamoorthy after completing his residency in 1999 pursued advanced clinical fellowship training in the US in both -Head and Neck Surgery and Otology & Neurotology. He is one of the few in India to have a dual fellowship degree. He is an honorary faculty at Bangalore Medical College, India and he started the Cochlear Implant program which was the first in a tertiary teaching Government hospital in Karnataka. He instructs in hands-on workshops on head and neck and Otology courses. He has authored text book chapters and has contributed articles in peer reviewed journals. He is actively involved with cutting edge research in the areas of his specialization. Microbial Robotics (formerly Bacterial Robotics), a life science firm developing microscopic BactoBots? recently appointed him, as its Director, Clinical Surgery ? India, for its soon-to-be-formed medical device subsidiary.