While tinnitus is one of the classic triad of symptoms of Meniere's disease (the other two being progressive sensorineural hearing loss and vertigo), it is important to understand that Tinnitus is a symptom of several other conditions and may not always be related to Meniere's disease (Chung & Lee, 2016). Tinnitus does not require a separate diagnosis but rather confirmation of the reported symptom. To address your first question, tinnitus is typically identified first through assessment parameters such as nursing health history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests that evaluate the auditory pathway, hearing loss, and quality. These assessments aim to determine the underlying cause of the symptom.
Since Tinnitus is a symptom and not a disease per se, the treatment plan for a patient reporting tinnitus heavily relies on understanding its underlying condition—specifically, in this case, Meniere’s disease. However, if a patient presents with discomfort and impaired daily function due to tinnitus, interventions related to tinnitus management take precedence; while in scenarios where severe vertigo attacks associated with Meniere’s Disease occur, interventions related to the disease are prioritized. The treatment approach remains consistent, focusing on the underlying condition while promptly implementing appropriate nursing and medical-surgical interventions to prevent further complications (Atik, 2014).
References
- Atik A. (2014). Pathophysiology and treatment of tinnitus: an elusive disease. Indian journal of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery : official publication of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India, 66(Suppl 1), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-011-0374-8
- Chung, Jae & Lee, Seung. (2016). The Pathophysiologic Mechanism of Tinnitus. Hanyang Medical Reviews. 36. 81. 10.7599/hmr.2016.36.2.81.