At Medpark Hearing Center, our team of hearing specialists understands the challenges that individuals may face when dealing with tinnitus. Tinnitus refers to the perception of sound in the ears or head without any external source, such as ringing, buzzing or hissing noises. For many, tinnitus can be a very prevalent presence, affecting their ability to focus, relax, or enjoy quiet moments. Our specialists are here to provide support and guidance for managing tinnitus symptoms, offering personalized strategies and treatment options tailored to each individual’s needs.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is often confused for a condition itself, when in reality, it’s typically indicative of another malady. Some of the most common causes of tinnitus include:
- Hearing loss
- Consistent exposure to loud noises
- Stress and depression
- Aging
- Medication side-effects
- Head and neck injuries
- Benign tumors
The first step in your treatment plan will be working with one of our specialists to identify which of these problems is causing your tinnitus, so we know what method will be most successful. While there isn’t a ‘cure’ for tinnitus, there are several different relief options that can help you live without the ringing in your ears.
Tinnitus Treatment Options
The specific tinnitus treatment we recommend will depend on factors like your medical history and whether you have any co-occurring disorders. But some of the most common treatments we use include each of the following.
Sound Therapy
Sound therapy is also sometimes called acoustic therapy. It uses sounds to train the brain to refocus, which can reduce tinnitus symptoms and diminish the emotional impact of the symptoms.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are another common tinnitus treatment – whether you have hearing loss or not. When equipped with tinnitus-masking features, these devices can essentially block out the annoying sounds you would otherwise be hearing. If you’re also experiencing hearing loss, then you can typically find a hearing aid that addresses both that and your tinnitus simultaneously. Our hearing instrument specialists will help you find the right product regardless of your goals.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
Tinnitus retraining therapy is a specialized approach aimed at helping individuals adjust to and manage the perception of tinnitus. This therapy involves a combination of sound therapy and counseling techniques to help individuals better cope with their symptoms. The sound therapy component typically utilizes external noise sources, like white noise or nature sounds, to help mask the perceived tinnitus sounds and promote relaxation. Meanwhile, counseling sessions focus on educating individuals about tinnitus and addressing any negative emotions or thoughts associated with it. Through TRT, individuals can learn effective coping strategies and regain control over their perception of tinnitus, ultimately improving their quality of life.
Ultimately, the best form of tinnitus treatment for you will depend on your unique background and how the symptoms are currently impacting your life. You need experts you can trust to help you figure it all out. The team at Medpark Hearing is always available to help you do it.