Objective high-frequency tinnitus of middle-ear myoclonus

J Laryngol Otol. 2004 Mar;118(3):231-3. doi: 10.1258/002221504322928044.

Abstract

Tinnitus produced by middle-ear myoclonus is a rare condition. In this article, a rare case of unilateral continuous high-frequency objective tinnitus caused by middle-ear myoclonus is described. This condition appears to be the second case reported in the literature. Otoscopic examination revealed visible rhythmic movements of the tympanic membrane. Weak clicking sounds were heard around the right ear by auscultation. Direct stimulation of the soft palate showed no evidence of palated myoclonus. Tympanometry confirmed rhythmic changes in the middle-ear compliance. The condition was effectively treated with a muscle relaxant (orphenadrine citrate).

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Audiometry, Pure-Tone
  • Ear Diseases / complications*
  • Ear Diseases / drug therapy
  • Ear, Middle
  • Hearing Loss, Bilateral / etiology
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscarinic Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Myoclonus / complications*
  • Myoclonus / drug therapy
  • Orphenadrine / therapeutic use
  • Recurrence
  • Tinnitus / drug therapy
  • Tinnitus / etiology*

Substances

  • Muscarinic Antagonists
  • Orphenadrine