(386) 322-0831
Monday to Friday - 9:00am - 5:00pm
Understanding Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. This condition can manifest in various forms, such as persistent ringing, buzzing, or even hissing. Although it is not a disease itself, tinnitus can often be a symptom of an underlying issue. Common causes of tinnitus include:
Exposure to loud noises
Prolonged or sudden exposure to high decibel sounds, such as machinery, concerts, or explosions, can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to tinnitus and permanent hearing loss.
Age-related hearing loss
As we age, the sensory cells in the inner ear naturally deteriorate, making it more difficult to process sound and often resulting in tinnitus as the brain compensates for missing auditory input.
Ear infections or blockages
A buildup of earwax, fluid, or an infection in the ear can cause pressure changes and inflammation, leading to temporary or persistent tinnitus.
Certain medications
Some medications, including certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and high doses of aspirin, can be toxic to the inner ear and trigger or worsen tinnitus.
Head or neck injuries
Trauma to the head or neck can affect the auditory nerves, blood flow, or inner ear structures, potentially causing tinnitus as a side effect.
Stress and anxiety
High stress levels and anxiety can heighten the brain’s perception of sound, making tinnitus symptoms more noticeable or exacerbating an existing condition.
Identifying the Cause for Effective Treatment
By identifying the root cause of your tinnitus through a thorough assessment, we can tailor a treatment plan that best suits your needs.
Treatment Options for Tinnitus
Although tinnitus cannot be fully cured, once we understand your condition, we will discuss various treatment options that can help reduce your symptoms. Here are some common management strategies:
Counseling and Sound Therapy
Working with our professionals, you can learn strategies to cope with tinnitus. Sound therapy, which involves introducing background noise or calming sounds, can distract from the tinnitus, making it less intrusive.
Hearing Aids
If you have a hearing loss, using hearing aids can amplify external sounds and reduce the perception of tinnitus. Hearing aids can also improve your overall hearing experience, enhancing your quality of life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This therapeutic approach focuses on changing the way you think and feel about your tinnitus. It can help decrease anxiety related to the condition and improve coping skills.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy
This combines sound therapy with counseling. TRT aims to help your brain learn to disregard the sounds associated with your tinnitus over time.
Lifestyle Modifications
Simple changes to your daily routine, such as reducing caffeine intake or managing stress through mindfulness or relaxation techniques, can have positive effects.
The Tinnitus Assessment Process
During your visit, we will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This typically involves:
Award-Winning Team
Meet the exceptional professionals behind our success.
