Web-based questionnaire survey of medical treatment for tinnitus in Japan

Abstract

　　We conducted a WEB web-based questionnaire survey of physicians (otolaryngologists, psychologists, and psychiatrists) who routinely examined tinnitus patients, to understand the actual medical conditions of tinnitus and identify the important problems with tinnitus treatment. Responses were received from a total of 281 physicians, including 118 otolaryngologists from hospitals with more than 200 beds (HP) and 109 otolaryngologists from hospitals with less than 200 beds (GP), and 54 psychologists/psychiatrists. The referral of tinnitus patients to otolaryngology HP was mostly from otolaryngology and general internal medicine departments, and hearing loss was a common primary underlying disease in tinnitus patients. The most common treatment option used by physicians was pharmacotherapy, but treatment satisfaction was the lowest for this treatment modality as compared with other treatment options. The results of this questionnaire survey revealed dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of commonly used drug therapies. Additionally, despite the existence of highly recommended and highly satisfactory treatment methods, there are challenges that make widespread adoption difficult. New treatment options for tinnitus are desired, regardless of the department or institution at which the patients are treated.