Clinical Otorhinolaryngological Assessment

This chapter describes the tasks of the otolaryngologist when examining a patient with tinnitus. This is of great importance because the otolaryngologist is often the first point of contact for the patient. The detailed history and also the physical examination can provide the first clues to possible causes of tinnitus. Subsequently, the combination with the audiological examination can provide the basis for successful counseling. The otolaryngological examination is of particular importance in cases of objective tinnitus. Here, objectifiable findings can be obtained in otomicroscopy, such as pulsating movements of the tympanic membrane or middle-ear masses shining through the membrane. Last but not least, conditions such as chronic otitis media or otosclerosis, which in many cases are accompanied by tinnitus, can also be detected.