title: Objective Tinnitus Concomitant with Eye Blinking: A Case Report.
abstract: Tinnitus is a common auditory phenomenon associated with many otological diseases, and is usually subjective. Objective tinnitus can be generated by para-auditory structures, usually derived from vascular or myogenic sources, or the eustachian tube. We present a rare case of intermittent unilateral tinnitus associated with eye blinking. Otoendoscopic examination showed that the external auditory canals and tympanic membranes were normal; however, rhythmic movements of both tympanic membranes, concomitant with the tinnitus, were evident whenever the patient blinked. The tympanometry and stapedial reflexes measured via impedance audiometry exhibited saw-tooth patterns; movement of the tympanic membrane was associated with eyelid blinking. The patient was managed conservatively, with reassurance and medication, and the condition became well-controlled. Here, we present this educational case and review the literature.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu, Korea.
authors.forename: Tae Hwan
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu, Korea.
authors.forename: Ho Joon
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Jang
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu, Korea.
authors.forename: Soon Hyung
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu, Korea.
authors.forename: Sung-Il
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Nam
keywords: Middle ear myoclonus; Tinnitus; Tympanometry