Content area
Full Text
Abstract
Tinnitus, that is defined as 'ringing in the ear', is and has probably always been a very common phenomenon in the health history of mankind. A variety of pathomechanisms for its onset has been proposed in the past and this trend sees no stopping. Precise pathomechanisms still remain unclear. From the historical point of view, tinnitus is a very interesting topic but there is a lack of scientific enquiries. As its earliest historic reference, the Papyrus Ebers is often cited. By reviewing the original source, however, it is very unlikely that this contains the earliest historic reference of tinnitus. It is rather likely indeed that tinnitus was a known symptom in the ancient Egypt but it has never been exclusively been written down. This article reviews data provided by this fascinating historical period on the questionable reference and highlights the impact of history on the modern status of tinnitus.
Keywords: Tinnitus; History of Medicine, Ancient
Introduction
Tinnitus is a very common but yet poorly understood neuro-otological disorder. The word 'tinnitus' derives from the Latin word 'tinnire' meaning 'to ring' and is defined as 'ringing in the ear'.' In an attempt to describe its clinical occurrence, the following definition has widely been accepted: 'Tinnitus is the conscious expression of a sound that originates in a voluntary manner in the head of its owner, or may appear to him to do so'.21 According to data from the MRC Institute of Hearing Research and reviewed by Baguley,3 10 per cent of adults have experienced prolonged tinnitus.1 Five per cent are reported to suffer from tinnitus that is moderately or severely annoying. In one per cent, tinnitus has negative effects on the quality of life. A historic review provides plenty of examples where tinnitus has been present in the life of celebrities. Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) is probably the best known historic tinnitus patient. Already in 1801, he reported complaints about hearing loss and buzzing in the ears to his medical consultant F.G.Wegeler and his close friend K. Amenda: 'I must confess that I am living a miserable life'. Along with Beethoven, there are many other famous names on the list (for example Jean-Jacques Rousseau or Bedrich Smetana)....