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ABSTRACT

Among adult population, it is estimated that around 10% would report the presence of sound in their ear and/or head (without the presence of external stimuli), a symptom known as tinnitus (1, 2). Commonly associated with ear disorders, this phantom noise perception can be of ringing, humming, hissing, whistling, clicking or buzzing type. Among those with tinnitus, many of them (45%-67%) would experience distressing and bothersome tinnitus disabling them to function normally in their daily life (3, 4). As such, proper assessments and treatments should take place expeditiously to avoid and minimize the adverse effects of tinnitus (5). Even though the exact pathophysiology of tinnitus is yet to be ascertained, it is believed that peripheral and central nervous systems play specific roles in the tinnitus generation (2, 6). Accordingly, various treatment options are now available clinically to provide short-term and long-term relief from tinnitus (2, 7).