Which department should I visit for tinnitus?

Everyone should be familiar with this symptom, as many people experience it. If you seek medical care at a hospital, you should visit the Department of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, and Throat). Maintaining an optimistic and open-minded attitude toward life is also important. Should tinnitus occur, try not to become overly anxious. While undergoing treatment, consider cultivating hobbies or interests to help regulate your daily routine and divert attention away from the tinnitus. So, which department should you visit for tinnitus?

Which Department Should You Visit for Tinnitus?

In most cases, patients with tinnitus should first consult the Department of Otolaryngology. Some individuals may mistakenly visit the Department of Orthopedics—particularly if their tinnitus is associated with cervical spondylosis or other cervical spine disorders. Patients who frequently experience dizziness and tinnitus, or whose symptoms appear upon turning their head, often find—after thorough evaluation—that no serious underlying condition exists. For instance, middle-aged women may need to consider perimenopausal changes. Others, after prolonged examinations yielding no abnormalities, may ultimately be diagnosed with anxiety or depression—conditions in which tinnitus can manifest as a symptom. In such cases, consultation with either the Department of Neurology or the Department of Otolaryngology is appropriate. If symptoms persist or worsen significantly, prompt evaluation at a reputable hospital is essential; treatment options—including pharmacotherapy or surgery—should be selected to minimize disease recurrence.

Prolonged, persistent tinnitus may indicate an underlying medical condition and thus warrants careful attention. We recommend seeking evaluation at a reputable hospital. Importantly, tinnitus is a *symptom*, not a disease itself, and its prevalence is approximately 17%. Once diagnosed, effective treatment can be pursued through either the Department of Neurology or the Department of Otolaryngology. In contrast, non-persistent tinnitus that does not significantly interfere with daily life often resolves spontaneously and typically requires no specific treatment—conservative observation is usually sufficient.

For tinnitus treatment, pharmacotherapy and surgical intervention are the primary options. Surgical treatment generally offers favorable outcomes with low recurrence rates. We hope this information proves helpful to you.