WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN CHOOSING A HEARING AID
Tinnitus is usually described as a ringing in the head or ears. lt can also manifest as many other ongoing sounds such as chirping, hissing, whooshing, clicking, whistling, roaring, and buzzing. These are called nonpulsatile forms of tinnitus. The symptom can also be pulsatile, which describes a sound that mimics the heartbeat or pulse.
Tinnitus is a symptom that occurs due to some underlying condition. lt can't be traced to one single cause, but instead a number of factors can trigger tinnitus, including:
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Hearing loss or damage
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Injuries and diseases of the head, ears, nervous system, or heart
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Hypertension, stress, or headaches
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Excessive buildup of earwax
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Prolonged, repeated, or sudden noise exposure
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Certain medications
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Acoustic tumors or cysts
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Aging
Lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, and tobacco use can also influence tinnitus. The key to managing tinnitus is to consult with your doctor and hearing health professional help identify any underlying condition(s).
Up to 85% of those suffering from tinnitus also have hearing loss.
Treatment for hearing loss with amplification can improve the underlying symptom of tinnitus. Because tinnitus is unique from person to person, it is important to find a treatment plan individualized to work best for you.
If you're one of the millions of people across the U.S. suffering from tinnitus, talk to the specialists at Southwest Ear, Nose, & Throat for your personalized treatment options.
What Are the Treatment Options for Tinnitus?
Diagnostic testing and an evaluation by an Otolaryngologist will rule out possible medical factors that could be causing or contributing to your tinnitus. Because your tinnitus symptoms are personal and unique in nature, an in-depth evaluation will help us create a specialized treatment plan for you.
Although there isn't a single cure for tinnitus our audiologists have the knowledge and experience to provide you with treatment methods that can help lessen the impact that tinnitus has on your life. In many cases, the distressing combination of tinnitus and hearing loss can be relieved with AGX@ Hearing technology. The No. 1 treatment for tinnitus for those who also experience hearing loss is the use of a personal hearing system, which can improve your hearing and often reduce or eliminate your perception of tinnitus. There are a number of treatment options, including:
HEARING TECHNOLOGY
The top treatment for those who experience hearing loss, which can both improve overall hearing ability and eliminate the perception of ringing
MASKING
An electronic device called a masker may be worn to distract from the ringing sensation. Maskers fit in the ear similarly to hearing aids and produce low-level sounds. In addition, bedside sound generators and other devices can also help remove the perception of ringing
TINNITUS REPAIRING THERAPY
A therapeutic process in which we specialize, and has given relief to many of our patients. Our process is a combination of sound therapy and counseling, which alters the brain's neural signals and weakens the perception of tinnitus, allowing you to live your daily life far more peacefully
COGNITIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY
The top treatment for those who experience hearing loss, which can both improve overall hearing ability and eliminate the perception of ringing
Tinnitus FAQs
Are there medications for tinnitus?
Almost all of the "surefire" remedies for tinnitus found on the internet are based on junk science, case studies, or no real evidence at all. But there are some things you can try that might help lessen symptoms, including limiting exposure to loud noises, lowering your blood pressure, ingesting less salt, and limiting exposure to alcohol.
Does tinnitus cause hearing loss?
No. Tinnitus is a symptom of any number of conditions, including hearing loss.
Can tinnitus be cured?
Current research by neurologists suggests that altering certain areas of the brain that respond to sound - or a lack thereof - may provide relief. Experiments to regrow broken hair cells have also been performed. Regrowth of hair cells means that hearing is restored, which prevents the brain from attempting to fill the void left by a lack of hair cells, ultimately ending tinnitus. These treatment modalities are likely years away from clinical trials, meaning that treatment for consumers is beyond the horizon.
Why is tinnitus worse at night?
In our daily lives, sounds around us typically mask tinnitus to some degree. At night, when things are quiet, there's less noise and fewer mental distractions. If your tinnitus is stress-related, it's also possible that the cumulative stress of your day has made your symptoms worse.
Can tinnitus be directly measured?
Rarely. There is a form of tinnitus referred to as "objective tinnitus" that your doctor can hear. This is typically the result of a blood vessel problem, an inner-ear bone condition. or muscle contraction.