Tinnitus: Theory and Management is designed to present a comprehensive view of the current state of the art of basic and clinical tinnitus research. Due to the great progress that has been made in the research on tinnitus and the theoretical concepts regarding the initiation, generation, and perpetuation of the precept of tinnitus, this book is timely. Each chapter author was chosen on the basis of his or her personal contribution to the knowledge underlying the subject matter as well as his or her recognition as a leader in that aspect of research. The aim has been to review the literature critically and present the subject in a scientifically rigorous manner based on the experience of the author. Three chapters introduce the reader to the clinical aspects of tinnitus, the closely related subject of decreased sound tolerance as well as the epidemiology of tinnitus. The current theoretical basis of tinnitus is presented in 11 chapters that address discoveries and concepts from the inner ear to the auditory cortex as well as the limbic system and encompass somatosensory modulation, analogy to phantom limb pain, neural plasticity and much more. The evaluation of the patient is presented in 4 chapters covering otologic and audiologic considerations, accession and outcome measures and brain imaging. The final 7 chapters address treatment options for patients with tinnitus including drug trials and therapy, antidepressant therapy, tinnitus retraining therapy, the role of hearing aids, psychological methods of therapy, electrical suppression of tinnitus and the management of tinnitus in the American veteran population. Editorial comments are featured after groups of chapters to aid the reader in understanding the significance and interrelationship of the presented information.
