How to Determine if It's Neurogenic Tinnitus

In general, determining the presence of sensorineural tinnitus involves audiological testing, tinnitus matching tests, imaging studies, laboratory tests, and clinical symptom evaluation. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Audiological Testing

Pure-tone audiometry can detect the hearing thresholds of patients at various frequencies, helping determine the degree and type of hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss often accompanies sensorineural tinnitus. Tympanometry assesses middle ear function and helps exclude tinnitus caused by middle ear disorders, as sensorineural tinnitus primarily originates from lesions in the inner ear, auditory nerve, or central auditory pathways, with middle ear function typically remaining normal.

2. Tinnitus Matching Test

This test uses instruments to measure the frequency and loudness of tinnitus and compares it to standardized sounds to determine specific tinnitus parameters. Physicians can analyze the nature of tinnitus based on these parameters, providing diagnostic and therapeutic guidance. For example, certain high-frequency tinnitus is often associated with auditory nerve damage.

3. Imaging Studies

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) clearly visualizes the structures of the inner ear, auditory nerve, and brain, helping identify organic lesions such as acoustic neuromas or cerebrovascular abnormalities that may compress the auditory nerve and cause tinnitus. Computed tomography (CT) scans can also assist in observing changes in the bony structures of the ear and skull.

4. Laboratory Tests

Blood tests measuring levels of vitamins, blood glucose, and lipids can help identify systemic diseases such as diabetes or vitamin deficiencies that may affect inner ear nerve function and cause tinnitus. Assessing thyroid function is also important, as thyroid disorders may be associated with sensorineural tinnitus.

5. Clinical Symptom Assessment

Sensorineural tinnitus manifests as continuous or intermittent ringing in the ears or head, with varying sounds such as buzzing or humming. The tinnitus symptoms are often accompanied by hearing loss and dizziness. By integrating the patient's medical history and symptom characteristics, and excluding other possible causes, physicians can make a preliminary diagnosis of sensorineural tinnitus.

If sensorineural tinnitus is suspected, timely medical evaluation is essential to identify the underlying cause and initiate early intervention, thereby reducing the adverse effects of tinnitus on hearing and quality of life.