Tinnitus is often described as a “ringing in the ears” but it can also sound like waves, wind or a variety of other sounds. Tinnitus can be caused by many things and is usually a symptom of an underlying condition. The treatment for your particular symptoms will depend on the cause, the severity and the impact it has on your daily activities.
Your Life Hearing & Tinnitus Health Centers hearing professional will conduct a complete examination and collect a complete medical history in order to find the root cause of your tinnitus.
Common causes include:
- Hearing loss
- Exposure to loud noises
- Earwax buildup or blockages in the ear canal
- Abnormal bone growth in the ear
- Meniere’s disease
- Head or neck injuries
- Benign tumor of the cranial nerve
- Current medication
- Aging
- Vascular disorders
- Stress or depression
Current Treatments for Tinnitus
Depending on the cause and severity of your tinnitus, your audiologist may be able to relieve or mitigate your tinnitus symptoms. Treatments can include:
- Acoustic or Sound Therapy: A hearing professional makes use of sounds to help your brain re-focus and diminish the emotional impact that tinnitus can cause.
- Hearing Aids: Hearing aids are a common treatment for tinnitus even for those who are not experiencing hearing loss. Some devices are equipped with a tinnitus-masking feature to help block out the noise and provide relief. Hearing aids can also be used in collaboration with hearing loss treatment.
- Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): TRT, or habituation therapy, can change the way your brain perceives the sounds that result from tinnitus. Behavioral therapy may be necessary to help you cope with any emotional difficulties that you may be experiencing, including depression, stress, or anger.
Many treatments may be used in tandem to ensure the most benefits to the individual. Your hearing professional will work with you based on the symptoms you are experiencing, the disruptions to your daily life and any remedies you have found that are beneficial to finding relief.
It is important to manage all of the associated health issues that may be contributing to your symptoms and the treatments or therapies necessary to manage them. Contact Life Hearing & Tinnitus Health Centers today to learn how we can help!