Tinnitus and Hyperacusis
Do you have a buzzing, humming, roaring, ringing, or a whistling sound in your ears when no other sounds are present? This is most likely tinnitus. Tinnitus, commonly called “ringing in the ears,” is a common phenomenon, affecting millions of individuals.
Tinnitus itself is not a hearing disorder, but rather a symptom of another problem, most often hearing loss. It can also be caused from circulatory disorders, loud noise exposure, head trauma, or stress.
In some cases, tinnitus is accompanied by hyperacusis. Hyperacusis is a hearing disorder where sounds are perceived as uncomfortably loud.
If you experience persistent tinnitus that will not go away and interferes with your quality of life, schedule a tinnitus evaluation with one of our audiologists. Our audiologists offer a comprehensive and empathetic approach to treatment.
Direct Treatment
The most effective, direct treatment of tinnitus is to provide stimulation to your auditory system, including the nerve from the ear to the brain. Using modern treatment technology, our team will begin your prescription at around 80% of the sound stimuli your nerve requires. Over the next three to four visits, roughly 30-45 days, we will gradually increase the amount of sound support to your auditory system until we’ve reached your full prescription, and your perception of tinnitus has been reduced. Throughout your ongoing tinnitus treatment, we will continue to fine-tune your prescription and make frequency modifications that allow you to put the frustration, irritation, and distraction of tinnitus behind you.
Indirect Treatment
An indirect, and less effective, approach to tinnitus is “distracting” your mind away from the constant ringing, whooshing, or buzzing by introducing an additional sound.
This is considered “indirect stimulation” of the auditory system. The most common noises used are white noise or music.
Other indirect approaches include sleeping with the television on, keeping a fan on, and other forms of noise generators, such as non-FDA-approved tinnitus-maskers. These techniques are used to distract your brain by asking it to focus on different sounds. One of the main issues with this approach is that patients often feel they are trading one bothersome sound for another.
Additional Support
We also recognize that some patients need additional support, and this is where Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) comes in. This can be done in person or virtually with your audiologist or through a digital program called OTO.
OTO is a 12 week program using cognitive behavior techniques to change how your brain reacts to the tinnitus. Each day, you’ll learn a new technique or practice an exercise that will gradually rewire your brain. Over time you will habituate to the sound until it fades from your awareness. When you are habituated to tinnitus it doesn’t affect your life. You no longer think about it and it doesn’t make you feel bad.
What to Expect
1.
Get to Know You & Understand Your Symptoms
2.
Discuss Your Treatment Goals & Medical History
3.
Receive a comprehensive hearing evaluation and cognitive screening
4.
Understand where your tinnitus comes from
5.
Answer All of Your Questions or Concerns
6.
Begin a Custom Treatment Plan