This book encapsulates the many facets of tinnitus from its enigmatic neurophysiological underpinnings to its cognitive effects and treatment approaches. The editors’ multidisciplinary approach in recruiting field experts from a variety of clinical and research backgrounds provides the reader with a true sense of the current tinnitus climate, where consensus and certainty are still somewhat distant concepts.
With this in mind, I believe the book would be best suited to individuals with a specialist interest in tinnitus such as clinicians, researchers and students. A curious tinnitus patient may find the chapters relating to self-help and other clinical interventions appealing.
The use of case studies dotted throughout the chapters demonstrates topic-specific clinical symptoms helping to link theory with clinical practice. Whilst fascinating and novel, I somewhat struggled to see the relevance of chapter 1 on ‘tinnitus and hyperacusis in literature, film and music’ in relation to the general theme of this book. However, this certainly did not detract from my reading pleasure. With the majority of tinnitus research focusing on the adult population, it was refreshing to see a chapter addressing tinnitus in childhood. Beyond tinnitus, this book also offers information on several other interesting, but perhaps less researched, auditory conditions such as hyperacusis and acoustic shock; conditions which sometimes share their presence with tinnitus.
Overall, Tinnitus: Clinical and Research Perspectives is an informative and valuable resource. It surveys many aspects of tinnitus, drawing upon up-to-date evidence from prominent figures in the international tinnitus community. Although appearing shiny and new at present, I am sure that my copy of this book will be dog-eared and worn in no time, a sure sign of a good book!
