Understanding tinnitus treatment options
Tinnitus or “ringing in the ears” is estimated to affect approximately 10% of the population and varies significantly in how it is perceived by individuals. Many individuals experience mild or intermittent tinnitus that does not impact or bother them significantly. Others report tinnitus that is constant, intense, and in some cases, debilitating. Tinnitus varies significantly in how it is heard by the listener and can be perceived as buzzing, chirping, clicking or ringing sounds.
At some time or another, most people, (even those with normal hearing), experience moments of tinnitus. Brief instances of tinnitus that come on spontaneously and are very short in duration are typically considered a normal function of our hearing system.
Tinnitus patterns that are frequent, intense or bothersome to the individual certainly warrant evaluation. Further consultation is also warranted for anyone experiencing a sudden onset of tinnitus or change in their tinnitus pattern.
I think I have tinnitus. What do I do first?
Schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation with an Audiologist. During your consultation, a case history regarding the nature, duration, and onset of your tinnitus symptoms will be completed. You may be asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the impact of tinnitus on your lifestyle and overall health and well-being. In some instances, you may also be advised to consult an Ear, Nose and Throat physician to rule out medical conditions that may be causing or contributing to your tinnitus.
There are many causes of tinnitus, including a change in hearing sensitivity, high frequency hearing loss, exposure to loud noise and side effects from medications. In rarer cases, tinnitus can be caused by blood vessel disorders or TMJ. No matter the cause of your symptoms, getting an evaluation is essential for determining your potential tinnitus treatment.
What tinnitus treatment options are available?
While there is no known cure for tinnitus, there are treatment options that can help to alleviate tinnitus symptoms. Sound therapy is often used to aid in providing relief from tinnitus. Sound therapy can be delivered in the form of white noise machines, fans, or a radio or television playing in the background. The goal of sound therapy is to provide the brain an alternate source to attend to therefore decreasing attention to the tinnitus.
For persons with hearing loss and tinnitus, a hearing aid with a tinnitus maker may be recommended. These devices look like traditional hearing aids but provide both the amplification that is necessary to address the hearing loss of the individual and the masking necessary to alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
If you are experiencing tinnitus and would like to determine your best treatment options, contact Hearing Solutions of Northwest Michigan today to schedule an appointment for an evaluation.