Tinnitus Differential Diagnosis
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or Presbycusis: These conditions are common causes of tinnitus, especially in older adults. Presbycusis is a gradual loss of hearing that can lead to tinnitus, while BPPV is a condition related to the inner ear that can cause vertigo and tinnitus.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Meniere's disease: A disorder of the inner ear that can cause tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing loss.
- Ototoxicity: Certain medications or exposure to loud noises can damage the ear and cause tinnitus.
- Eustachian tube dysfunction: A condition where the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat is blocked, leading to tinnitus and other symptoms.
- Middle ear problems: Infections, perforated eardrum, or other issues with the middle ear can cause tinnitus.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Acoustic neuroma: A rare, benign tumor that grows on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain, which can cause tinnitus, hearing loss, and balance problems.
- Multiple sclerosis: A chronic disease that affects the central nervous system and can cause tinnitus, among other symptoms.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels that can cause tinnitus, hearing loss, and other symptoms.
- Temporal bone fractures: A serious injury that can cause tinnitus, hearing loss, and other complications.
- Rare diagnoses
- Autoimmune inner ear disease: A rare condition where the immune system attacks the inner ear, causing tinnitus, hearing loss, and balance problems.
- Cogan syndrome: A rare disorder that causes inflammation in the eyes and ears, leading to tinnitus, hearing loss, and vision problems.
- Superior semicircular canal dehiscence: A rare condition where a small hole in the bone above the inner ear causes tinnitus, hearing loss, and balance problems.
- Patulous Eustachian tube: A rare condition where the Eustachian tube is abnormally open, causing tinnitus, hearing loss, and other symptoms.