Tinnitus Treatment

Do you or a loved one hear a ringing or noise in your ear that no one else can hear? If so, you are one of approximately 50 million people in the US who are affected by this noise, which we call tinnitus. Typically there is no cure for tinnitus. However, there are treatment options available to help reduce or completely mask the effect of the tinnitus.

What is it Tinnitus?

Tinnitus (TIN-ih-tus) is a the perception of a sound or ringing in the ear without an external noise presented. Tinnitus is a symptom that is often a secondary condition associated with many causes listed below. Tinnitus is often referred to as “ringing in the ear,” but can also described as a buzzing, humming, hissing, whistling, static noise, or clicking sound in the ear. It can be sporadic, or it can be constant. The perception of tinnitus varies from person to person in loudness, severity, and type.

What causes Tinnitus?

Tinnitus can be caused by many things, and is usually a symptom of an underlying condition. The treatment for your particular tinnitus will depend on the condition that is causing it, the severity, any accompanying issues such as hearing loss, and the impact the tinnitus has on daily activities.

Common causes of of Tinnitus:

• Stress and depression
• Hearing loss
• Exposure to loud noises
• Earwax buildup or blockages
• Abnormal bone growth in the ear
• Meniere’s disease
• Head or neck injuries
• Benign tumor of the cranial nerve
• Certain medications

How is tinnitus tested?

Determining the cause of the tinnitus can sometimes be difficult. Our Audiologist will first perform a diagnostic hearing evaluation. Next we will pinpoint the pitch, loudness, and perceived characteristics of the tinnitus through headphones in a soundproof booth. Once our Audiologist closely matches the perceived tinnitus a number of treatment options will be discussed.

What are the treatment options?

Depending on the cause of your tinnitus and other factors, several treatments are available, including medical options as well as alternative therapies. A common treatment is acoustic therapy or sound therapy. Sound therapy makes use of sounds to help the brain re-focus and diminish the emotional impact of the tinnitus.