Updated Tinnitus Guideline: Avoid Routine Neuroimaging, Advise CBT and Hearing Aids

For adults with persistent bothersome tinnitus, updated guideline recommends against routine neuroimaging unless concerning features; recommends CBT, hearing aid evaluation, and cochlear implants; advises against antidepressants, anticonvulsants, supplements, and rTMS.

• Key Action Statement 6 (strong recommendation): Clinicians should not obtain neuroradiologic imaging in patients with tinnitus specifically to evaluate the tinnitus unless specific concerning features are present.
• Strong recommendations also include distinguishing bothersome from non-bothersome tinnitus and inquiring about self-harm risk.
• Recommendations support audiological evaluation, education, hearing aids, cochlear implants when indicated, and CBT; recommendations against routine medications and supplements.

Evidence grade: Strong recommendation for KAS 2, 3, 6; recommendation for KAS 1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 15; recommendation against KAS 12, 13, 14A; option for KAS 4, 10, 14B.

Automated summary

RadPigeon summaries are original and for information only. They are not clinical advice.