The diagnostic approach is based on a history of the condition and an examination of the head, neck, and neurological system. Typically an audiogram is done, and occasionally medical imaging or electronystagmography. Treatable conditions may include middle ear infection, acoustic neuroma, concussion, and otosclerosis. Evaluation of<unk>  can include a hearing test (audiogram), measurement of acoustic parameters of the<unk>  like pitch and loudness, and psychological assessment of comorbid conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress that are associated with severity of the<unk> . One definition of<unk> , as compared to normal ear noise experience, is lasting five minutes at least twice a week. However, people with<unk>  often experience the noise more frequently than this.<unk>  can be present constantly or intermittently. Some people with constant<unk>  might not be aware of it all the time, but only for example during the night when there is less environmental noise to mask it. Chronic<unk>  can be defined as<unk>  with duration of six months or more. Audiology Since most persons with<unk>  also have hearing loss, a pure tone hearing test resulting in an audiogram may help diagnose a cause, though some persons with<unk>  do not have hearing loss. An audiogram may also facilitate fitting of a hearing aid in those cases where hearing loss is significant. The pitch of<unk>  is often in the range of the hearing loss. Psychoacoustics Acoustic qualification of<unk>  will include measurement of several acoustic parameters like frequency in cases of monotone<unk>  or frequency range and bandwidth in cases of narrow band noise<unk> , loudness in dB above hearing threshold at the indicated frequency, mixing-point, and minimum masking level. In most cases,<unk>  pitch or frequency range is between 5 kHz and 10 kHz, and loudness between 5 and 15 dB above the hearing threshold. Another relevant parameter of<unk>  is residual inhibition, the temporary suppression or disappearance of<unk>  following a period of masking. The degree of residual inhibition may indicate how effective<unk>  maskers would be as a treatment modality. An assessment of hyperacusis, a frequent accompaniment of<unk> , may also be made. Hyperacusis is related to negative reactions to sound and can take many forms. One associated parameter that can be measured is Loudness Discomfort Level (LDL) in dB, the subjective level of acute discomfort at specified frequencies over the frequency range of hearing. This defines a dynamic range between the hearing threshold at that frequency and the loudness discomfort level. A compressed dynamic range over a particular frequency range can be associated with hyperacusis. Normal hearing threshold is generally defined as 020 decibels (dB). Normal loudness discomfort levels are 8590+ dB, with some authorities citing 100 dB. A dynamic range of 55 dB or less is indicative of hyperacusis. Severity The condition is often rated on a scale from "slight" to "severe" according to the effects it has, such as interference with sleep, quiet activities and normal daily activities. Assessment of psychological processes related to<unk>  involves measurement of<unk>  severity and distress (i.e., nature and extent of<unk> -related problems), measured subjectively by validated self-report<unk>  questionnaires. These questionnaires measure the degree of psychological distress and handicap associated with<unk> , including effects on hearing, lifestyle, health and emotional functioning. A broader assessment of general functioning, such as levels of anxiety, depression, stress, life stressors and sleep difficulties, is also important in the assessment of<unk>  due to higher risk of negative well-being across these areas, which may be affected by or exacerbate the<unk>  symptoms for the individual. Overall, current assessment measures are aimed to identify individual levels of distress and interference, coping responses and perceptions of<unk>  to inform treatment and monitor progress. However, wide variability, inconsistencies and lack of consensus regarding assessment methodology are evidenced in the literature, limiting comparison of treatment effectiveness. Developed to guide diagnosis or classify severity, most<unk>  questionnaires have been shown to be treatment-sensitive outcome measures. Pulsatile<unk>  If the examination reveals a bruit (sound due to turbulent blood flow), imaging studies such as transcranial doppler (TCD) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) should be performed. Differential diagnosis Other potential sources of the sounds normally associated with<unk>  should be ruled out. For instance, two recognized sources of high-pitched sounds might be electromagnetic fields common in modern wiring and various sound signal transmissions. A common and often misdiagnosed condition that mimics<unk>  is radio frequency (RF) hearing, in which subjects have been tested and found to hear high-pitched transmission frequencies that sound similar to<unk> .
Tinnitus
Myopia
Gastroptosis
Cyclopia
Orofacial pain
Diplopia
Barodontalgia
Amblyopia