Treatment of Tinnitus
Tinnitus affects somewhere between 15 to 20% of people. For some, tinnitus greatly affects their way of life because it interferes with their ability to concentrate or even hear sounds that are external. The good news is, tinnitus treatment options can be greatly improved your symptoms. This is what our specialists at Evolution hearing are equipped to provide for you.
When should you see a specialist?
You should make an appointment with a specialist if you are experiencing loss of hearing or dizziness, or are experiencing depression and anxiety, caused by your tinnitus. Along with these, if you’ve recently experienced an upper respiratory infection that caused your tinnitus, seek tinnitus treatment if it has not gotten better after a week’s time.
Your tinnitus may also be caused by other more serious health issues such as; Eustachian tube dysfunction, Meniere’s disease, temporomandibular joint disorders, acoustic neuroma, blood vessel disorders, diabetes, anemia, and autoimmune disorders. Contact our office to learn more about available tinnitus treatment options.
Tinnitus Diagnosis
At Evolution Hearing we will provide a thorough hearing exam in which we will ask you pertinent questions, perform a few different types of tests, and possibly refer you out for further lab or imaging testing.
During your exam, make sure to describe your symptoms as accurately as possible to our specialist. Are you hearing clicking, pulsing, a rushing sound, or low or high pitched ringing? The type of sound you are hearing will determine your best treatment options.
Treatments Available For Tinnitus
Many factors contribute to finding the right tinnitus treatment options for different sufferers. These can include age, lifestyle, symptoms experienced, and budget. Some of the commonly prescribed treatments are sound therapy, earwax removal, change in medications, hearing aids, and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT).
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can be used to relieve Tinnitus symptoms, even if hearing loss is not present. They are very successful as treatment options when programmed to block out noises caused by Tinnitus. The more external sound you were able to hear, the less likely you are to hear the sounds caused by your tinnitus.
Earwax Removal
The removal of built up earwax can lessen Tinnitus symptoms.
Sound Therapy
Sound therapy is the use of sound machines and devices to relieve the symptoms of Tinnitus. These devices put out low level noises that suppress symptoms. One of these is called a masking device, which is worn in the ear like a hearing aid. It produces a low level noise that masks your tinnitus symptoms.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
Tinnitus Retraining therapy (TNT) uses sound therapy as well as behavioral therapy to try to retrain your brain to perceive your Tinnitus differently and help you cope with the emotional strain that comes along with it.
Counseling
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a treatment that helps a person suffering with Tinnitus learn to cope with their symptoms through helpful techniques taught by an experienced counselor. These can greatly relieve some of the symptoms the sufferer is experiencing because of their Tinnitus.
Tinnitus Medication
Drugs are not able to cure Tinnitus, but may help in reducing the severity of your symptoms or treat underlying conditions.
Following Treatment
Continued maintenance is important following tinnitus treatment. You should continue to work with a specialist to manage ongoing health problems and therapies.
Lifestyle changes
When you come in to speak with one of our knowledgeable professionals, they may help you make changes to your lifestyle that will greatly improve your symptoms. For instance, you can prevent certain types of Tinnitus by listening to sounds at a lower volume, using proper hearing protection when exposed to loud noises, taking proper care of cardiovascular health, and limiting substances like caffeine, nicotine and alcohol.
Relaxation
Finding the time to relax and destress is easier said than done when you have tinnitus and/or require treatment. Being able to slow down and calm your mind will help you be able to better cope with your tinnitus symptoms. This can be done through activities like yoga and practicing mindfulness as a form of wellness treatment for yourself.
Keep busy
Another way to manage your tinnitus symptoms is through refocusing. By staying busy with social activities or engaging in a hobby, you keep yourself from focusing on your tinnitus. This can also help you have a better night’s sleep, as those suffering from tinnitus often have sleep issues.
