A Case of Objective Tinnitus due to Middle Ear Myoclonus Treated by Surgical Therapy / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

Objective tinnitus which may be caused by contraction of the tensor tympani and stapedial muscles is extremely rare. We present a case of middle ear myoclonus with voluntary palatal myoclonus in a musician. Otologic examination demonstrated rhythmic involuntary movement of the tympanic membrane after the exposure of loud sound or blowing of the musical instrument. Impedance audiometry confirmed the motion of tympanic membrane and those movements correlated with a tinnitus perceived by the patient. Palatal myoclonic motion, voluntarily evoked by the patient, was observed by oral examination and heard by Toynbee tube objectively. Medical treatment and directive counseling were effective for voluntary palatal myoclonus. However, the main symptom of tinnitus caused by middle ear myoclonus was not changed. The patient's tinnitus was cured by tympanotomy with sectioning of the tensor tympani and stapedial tendons.