Clinical Practice Guideline: Chronic Tinnitus–Diagnosis and Treatment
Deutsches Arzteblatt International
Mazurek, B., Hesse, G., et al. (2022).
Deutsches Arzteblatt International, 119(13), 219-225.
This guideline provides recommendations for the management of chronic tinnitus (i.e., persisting for more than 3 months) in individuals with or without hearing loss.
German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (DGHNO-KHC)
Treatment of chronic tinnitus should be based on a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation which includes audiological assessment to determine hearing loss and/or psychosomatic comorbidities or other concomitant disorders.
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'urw-geometric',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #6e6259;">Tinnitus-specific cognitive behavioral treatments are recommended to </span>ameliorate tinnitus distress and improve quality of life. These treatments may also have beneficial effects on comorbidities such as anxiety and depression.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Treatments for tinnitus may be provided in individual or group settings. However, inpatient treatment should be recommended for individuals with severe decompensation due to tinnitus-induced helplessness or severe comorbidities (e.g., depression, anxiety).</p>
Hearing aids are recommended for individuals with tinnitus and accompanying hearing loss. Cochlear implantation should be considered for individuals with tinnitus and severe hearing loss.
