What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a condition characterized by the perception of sound when there is no external source. Often described as a ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sound, tinnitus can be present in one/both ears or heard within the head. Tinnitus can be soft or loud and be low or high-pitched. Although tinnitus affects millions of people worldwide, both adults and children, each individual’s experience is unique. The condition can vary greatly from a mild annoyance to a debilitating condition that interferes with daily life.

Impact on Quality-of-Life 

Tinnitus can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life. While some people may only experience mild annoyance, others may suffer from sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and emotional distress. In severe cases, tinnitus can contribute to feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, and isolation. Prompt evaluation and treatment of tinnitus can contribute to improved quality of life.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Audiologists are the preferred healthcare providers for assessing and diagnosing tinnitus. They can evaluate the auditory system to determine if there are any otologic conditions or hearing loss contributing to your tinnitus symptoms.

Our audiologist specializes in the treatment of tinnitus and can help determine the nature of your tinnitus and the impact it has on your social and emotional well-being. Understanding the characteristics of your tinnitus is crucial for effective management. 

Although there is no known cure for tinnitus, various treatments are available to help manage symptoms.

These include:

Behavioral Therapies: 

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Teaches techniques that can help patients cope with the emotional impact of tinnitus.
• Tinnitus Activities Treatment: A CBT-based approach that involves addressing emotional aspects, understanding the impact of tinnitus, and developing communication strategies and coping mechanisms.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can help manage stress and anxiety related to tinnitus.   

Technology: 

• Hearing Technology: If hearing loss is present, amplification such as hearing aids may provide a decrease in hearing loss-related tinnitus.
• Sound Therapy: The use of external noise, such as white noise or specialized sound devices, to mask or reduce the perception of tinnitus.

• Neuromodulation: The use of a targeted sound stimulus paired with electrical stimulation of a somatosensory system to retrain the brain’s response to tinnitus. 

How can Hearing Brain Help Manage your Tinnitus?

When you first contact Hearing Brain Audiology, you will schedule a complimentary 15-minute telehealth consultation, where we will talk about the process and get to know you and your tinnitus better. This is a chance to ask questions, voice your concerns, and see if our services fit with your needs. 

Before your consultation:

• Share a Recent Hearing Test: This helps us better understand your listening and communication needs for the appointment.
• Fill Out the Tinnitus Intake Form: A link will be shared with you once you schedule your consultation.
• Complete the Tinnitus-Specific Questionnaires: A link will be shared with you once you schedule your consultation.

After your consultation, we will design a fully custom, evidence-based, protocol that will outline your tinnitus treatment. All treatment activities and suggestions are based on the goals and impact areas the patient expressed during the consultation. Treatment may consist of sound therapy options, 1-on-1 tinnitus therapy, mindfulness/relaxation-based exercises, communication skills training, and other techniques to help you better manage your tinnitus symptoms. 

If individual sessions are suggested, we will work with you to schedule your appointment for days and times that work best for you. The frequency and spacing out of appointments are determined by the needs of the patient and the level of support required. Each session is scheduled for 1 hour. 

When to Seek Help

If you or someone you know is experiencing tinnitus, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. Symptoms that interfere with daily activities, such as persistent difficulty sleeping or concentrating, should not be ignored. An audiologist can help determine the best course of action and recommend appropriate treatments to improve quality of life.

If you are concerned about tinnitus, especially if it is affecting your daily life, do not hesitate to reach out to Hearing Brain Audiology. Early intervention can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and maintaining a high quality of life.