There is no universal cure for tinnitus, but there are treatments that make it less of a distraction. Because tinnitus is a side effect of an underlying condition, identifying the problem may lead to a medical or surgical solution.
Unfortunately, in many cases the exact cause of tinnitus cannot be identified, or treatment is not possible. However, symptoms can often be managed successfully through a number of different strategies.
Acoustic Therapy
Sounds are used to cover up, or mask, the tinnitus. This distracts your brain and helps you tune out the ringing in your ears. Electronic devices that produce white noise, air conditioners, fans, soft music, etc. can all be employed.
There are a range of sound therapy options you can employ including audio files, sleep noise generators, tinnitus specific ear buds and more. These acoustic therapy methods are designed to habituate a tinnitus sufferer to their symptoms by reducing the contrast between the tonal sounds they hear and their environment. This allows the brain to blend and mask tinnitus sounds with natural and therapy added environmental noises.
Hearing Aids
A common treatment option utilizes hearing aids, as nearly 90 percent of those with tinnitus also experience hearing loss. Hearing aids are used to amplify background sounds, which can naturally mask tinnitus. These devices can also help you distinguish one sound from another, improving communication and helping with focus and concentration difficulties. Many hearing aids come packaged with sound therapy to replace ambient sounds if amplification alone does not reduce tinnitus.
Counseling
Counseling can be practical in helping you manage your tinnitus symptoms by reducing the stress, anxiety and sleeplessness that are often associated with tinnitus.
Behavioral therapy can be very effective and provide a range of coping skills that can help you manage tinnitus symptoms and the associated stress and depression that often accompany the condition. Typically, these services are provided by psychologists.
Treatment Is Just a Phone Call Away
Treatment begins with a thorough tinnitus evaluation; it is the first step in determining the cause of your tinnitus when a physical cause is present. Though not all tinnitus symptoms can be treated, nearly every patient can benefit from management and therapy.
You don’t have to settle for your symptoms. Call us today for scheduling.
Call Albuquerque Speech Language Hearing Center at (505) 247-4224 for more information or to schedule an appointment.