Tinnitus related to eyelid blinking

Abstract

Tinnitus can be generated by various causes, including vascular or myogenic factors and sensorineural auditory structures. Tinnitus due to repetitive contraction of the paraauditory muscles is a rare condition. We present a case of bilateral tinnitus concomitant with eyelid blinking. Otoscopy revealed normal tympanic membranes; however, inward movement of the tympanic membrane was visible whenever the patient blinked. Long-time-based tympanometry measuring static compliance revealed a cogwheel or saw-toothed pattern associated with movement of the tympanic membrane related to eyelid blinking. The patient was managed with pharmacological treatment combined with assurance and was relatively well controlled.