The need to differentiate “bothersome” from “nonbothersome” tinnitus is the first step in assessing and managing people with primary persistent tinnitus.
This is one of 13 recommendations provided in recent clinical practice guidelines on tinnitus [PDF] by the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). The guidelines focus on primary persistent tinnitus, defined as tinnitus that is idiopathic and may or may not be associated with concomitant sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) that lasts six months or longer.
Not covered in the guidelines is secondary tinnitus, which is defined as tinnitus that is associated with a specific underlying cause or organic condition that can be identified.