Living with tinnitus can be difficult, but there are several treatment options available that may reduce your symptoms. Here is an overview of what tinnitus is, how it is diagnosed, and how Comfort Home Hearing Audiology can help you manage it more effectively!
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is any type of sound, such as ringing or hissing, in the ears that only the person with the condition can hear. It is a relatively common condition that affects approximately 15-20 percent of individuals, and it is more frequently found in older adults. Tinnitus can be a lifelong condition, and you may hear this noise consistently or periodically. The overall intensity of your symptoms can also vary, which can make it more challenging to manage at times.
Many people with tinnitus also have some type of hearing loss. Some cases of tinnitus are caused by ongoing exposure to loud sounds, which is also one of the most common causes of hearing loss. This means that people that are frequently exposed to this type of environment without wearing proper hearing protection are at an elevated risk for developing both conditions.
How Is Tinnitus Diagnosed?
Tinnitus Treatment Options
Most cases of tinnitus cannot be cured, but there are several treatment options available that can help to reduce your symptoms. However, not every option will work equally well for every person that has the condition. Your doctor will need to identify the specific cause of your tinnitus through various tests to determine which treatment options are the most likely to be successful for you.
Many patients find some relief by using white noise machines or masking devices to suppress the overall amount of noise they experience. These devices partially cover the sound that tinnitus causes to make it less noticeable, especially in quiet environments. Your doctor may also be able to reduce your symptoms by treating certain underlying conditions, such as treating blood vessel conditions or ear infections that may be causing the condition, removing excess ear wax, adjusting your medication, or addressing an injury or other trauma that may be worsening your symptoms. Using hearing aids may also reduce your symptoms if your tinnitus correlates with hearing loss, and certain types of counseling or other therapies can help you manage how you respond to your symptoms.
At Comfort Home Hearing Audiology, we are here to simplify the process of managing tinnitus, hearing loss, and other hearing concerns. Our in-home treatment options provide expert care in the comfort of your home, which can make it easier to continue your treatment, reduce your symptoms, and improve your hearing. Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer and to schedule your appointment!
