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Early and aggressive treatment of allergic, inflammatory, and infectious diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses should reduce the potential for chronic and irreversible disease of the sinus mucosa. Identification of underlying allergies, reactive mucosa, impaired mucosal transport, anatomic obstruction, or narrowing are key elements in establishing an effective treatment plan and the ultimate resolution of these disease processes.

Sound without external stimuli may warn of serious conditions. Accurate history and physical examination along with ancillary testing, including audiograms, are essential in evaluation of these patients. Evaluation of sudden tinnitus may save hearing. Extra-auditory tinnitus may arise from respiratory, vascular, and muscular sources that are often treatable. Conductive tinnitus may indicate treatable malformation of the external or middle ear. Sensorineural tinnitus may be drug-related, noise-related, of central origin, or due to cochlear deterioration. Comprehensive diagnostic procedures can be followed by medical, surgical, psychologic, or masking therapies. All patients with tinnitus can benefit from patient education and preventive measures, and oftentimes the physician's reassurance and assistance with the psychologic aftereffects of tinnitus can be the therapy most valuable to the patient.

In evaluating a patient with dizziness, the history remains the main source of information for diagnosis. Peripheral labyrinthine abnormalities are responsible for the majority of vertiginous symptoms. These disorders may be multifactorially caused or secondary to trauma and inflammation. Diagnostic testing may be of some assistance in corroborating a diagnosis. Medical therapy and dietary restrictions remain the main treatment modalities along with physical rehabilitation. In some patients, however, surgical intervention is indicated.