A tinnitus clinic.

Eighty patients with a main complaint of tinnitus were assessed. In only 32 was help possible. In 16 of these symptomatic relief utilized the masking technique which is briefly described. These results though not outstanding are encouraging and represent a definite step forward in helping patients with this unpleasant condition. Apart from symptomatic treatment of tinnitus, the clinic allowed early diagnosis of noise-induced hearing loss in some patients. Several patients had asymmetrical hearing loss, but despite extensive investigation no cerebellopontine angle tumors were identified. These patients are being followed. For these reasons, the tinnitus clinic is regarded as a success and will continue to function as a specialty clinic in otolaryngology at Vancouver General Hospital.