Pharmacological Treatments for Tinnitus

Abstract

Chronic subjective tinnitus is a prevalent symptom, not a disease in adults. Epidemiologic studies of general populations have estimated tinnitus prevalence at 10-15% of the adult population. Approximately 1-2% are severely affected and 0.5% are unable to lead a normal life [1-3]. Briefly, one in ten adults has clinically significant subjective tinnitus and one in hundred is severely affected. In addition, there is a high incidence of tinnitus associated with both noise-induced and age-related hearing loss [1]. Tinnitus-related distress interferes with quality of life in severe tinnitus sufferers, but the cure remains a challenging territory until now. The difficulties in the treatment of tinnitus lie in multiple etiologies, heterogeneous symptoms, limited understanding of the pathophysiology, and complicating psychological factors. Although the exact mechanisms should continue to be under active investigation, it is relatively well-known that the generation of tinnitus signal is associated with abnormal neuronal hyperactivity, synchrony, and reorganization in the central auditory pathways. However, all tinnitus signals would not cause persistent tinnitus perception unless the auditory system is pathologically linked to the brain regions responsible for emotions or consciousness. A comprehensive diagnostic assessment to identify the etiology and comorbidities is the basis of every successful tinnitus manageHanyang Med Rev 2016;36:113-119 http://dx.doi.org/10.7599/hmr.2016.36.2.113