Tinnitus--the initial evaluation.

Initial evaluation of patients with tinnitus presents a challenge to the otolaryngologist's skills, knowledge, and judgment. History-taking, physical examination, and the ordering of initial laboratory tests should be orchestrated to efficiently evaluate patients with tinnitus. By the end of this initial evaluation, major decisions have to be made in regard to the employment of additional expensive and possibly invasive diagnostic tests. We present an outline to expedite the initial evaluation of patients with tinnitus as their major concern.