Nursing Care Plan for Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a ringing, swishing, or other type of noise that seems to originate in the ear or head. Sometimes the noise pulsates at the same rate as your pulse. Tinnitus can be either constant or come and go. It can vary in loudness and character from time to time.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), almost 12 percent of men who are 65 to 74 years of age are affected by tinnitus. In many cases it is not a serious problem, but rather a nuisance that eventually resolves. Rarely, however, tinnitus can represent a serious health condition.

Tinnitus can arise in any of the four sections of the hearing system: the outer ear, the middle ear, the inner ear, and the brain. Some tinnitus or "head noise" is normal.

One of the most common causes of tinnitus is damage to the microscopic endings of the hearing nerve in the inner ear. Advancing age is generally accompanied by a certain amount of hearing nerve impairment, and consequently chronic tinnitus.

There are a number of causes which may provide the initial trigger including:

• middle ear infection
• dental or jaw problems
• some medications
• exposure to loud noises
• inner ear damage.

Nursing Diagnosis and Interventions :

1. Anxiety
related to the lack of information about hearing loss (tinnitus)

Goals / outcomes:

• knowledge of the disease increases.

Intervention:

• Assess the level of anxiety / fear.
• Assess the client's level of knowledge about the disorder.
• Educate about tinnitus.
• Assure the client that the disease can be cured.
• Encourage clients to relax and avoid stress.

2. Disturbed Sleep Pattern
related to hearing loss

Goals / outcomes:

• Sleep disorders can be overcome or adapted

Intervention:

• Assess the level of difficulty sleeping.
• Collaboration in sedation / sleep medications.
• Encourage clients to adapt to the disorder.

3. Risk for Social Isolation
related to communication barriers

Goals / outcomes:

• Risk of damage can minimize social interaction.

Intervention:

• Assess hearing difficulties.
• Assess how severe the hearing loss in the client experience.
• If possible, help clients understand nonverbal communication.
• Encourage clients with hearing aids every in need if available.