Tinnitus is often assumed that it is a serious condition but in most cases its not. Our highly trained & competent Tinnitus specialists understand the condition and how it affects your daily living. We will treat you with compassion, provide treatments to alleviate your symptoms and in some cases make the appropriate referral.
What is the definition of Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a sound with no external source. The sound is usually subjective and perceived as a ringing, whistling, humming, or roaring. It’s not a disease but a symptom related to an underlying problem.
What is the cause of tinnitus and is it considered serious?
Tinnitus is a very common ailment; about 50 million people are affected in the USA. Although tinnitus usually occurs in combination with hearing loss, research has shown that there is no substantiation to support a connection between the two. We do know that tinnitus can occur from ear infections, wax build up, noise exposure, cardiovascular issues and dental ailments. Lastly the most common cause of tinnitus is due to inner ear degeneration (age deterioration).
What are the differences between tinnitus and ringing in our ears?
For some patients tinnitus occurs intermittently which in most cases is natural saturation feedback and is usually unimportant, while other patients experience a constant sound that is loud, annoying and distracting and requires medical attention.
What are the treatment options for tinnitus?
Treatments differ depending on the etiology of the tinnitus. If the condition is related to an ear infection, antibiotics will usually resolve the issue. Patients who suffer tinnitus linked to inner ear degeneration related to noise exposure may require tinnitus retaining and maskers. Always remember to consult with a trained Tinnitus Specialist to determine the seriousness of the condition.
What are the medications or remedies available (Including Vitamins)?
Tinnitus is a symptom of an underline condition therefore its important to treat the condition as it can reduce the effects of the tinnitus. Usually medications are used in severe cases, most are aggressive and are accompanied by side effects. Alternative treatment options such as vitamin B and zinc supplements have shown positive effects but clinical efficacy has not been proven.
What is Retraining therapy?
It’s a method that has been FDA-approved for treating tinnitus. It uses neuroplasticity and reconditioning methods. Treatments typically will use a sound generator that emits a masking noise to distract the patient from the tinnitus. It’s coupled with Psychological exercises to teach the patient to ignore the tinnitus noise and encourage deep relaxation and stress management.
What are masking Devices?
Tinnitus is considered an internal phenomenon (generated in the body) and exterior noise can be used to cover up the tinnitus. It typically referred as masking and research has shown that in most cases it can reduce the annoyance of the ailment. Masking instruments can be a hearing aid or a sound generator; they can produce sounds, such as environmental noises. Other masking devices that have helped patients cope with the tinnitus are fans, fountains, air conditioners and air purifiers.