Tinnitus can cause more than ringing in your ears. Tinnitus can be described as a constant noise that is whirring and buzzing as well as clicking. Tinnitus can be temporary if you’re lucky. It could be caused by an ear infection or excessive blood pressure. Tinnitus can be a serious condition that can affect your quality of life. Tinnitus is not a serious condition. Tinnitus can be treated by an Audiologist using a variety of treatment options.
WHITE NOISE DEVICES
Distraction is the key principle behind white noise devices. The brain is distracted by a gentle, low-pitched noise. These external noises are called “white” and mask the internal tinnitus sounds. The brain is too busy processing white noise signals that it doesn’t have enough bandwidth to process the tinnitus sounds.
There are many options for white noise devices. Some units can be placed on top of a coffee or bedside table, while others are small enough that they can be used as a nightlight. These units are small and sophisticated, but they look and feel just like hearing aids.
A fan is the simplest form of white noise. You may only need a fan to make enough white noise to help you sleep at night.
SOUND THERAPY
Although sound therapy is not quick and easy, it can be very effective for managing tinnitus. Although it doesn’t stop tinnitus, it can reduce the volume. Sound therapy devices that use music or other sounds to treat tinnitus can be customized for each individual. The device plays special notched-music or algorithmically-modified sounds that emphasize specific frequencies and tones. These devices can be used intermittently, and are best for those with tinnitus between 1-13kHz.
BIOFEEDBACK & NEUROFEEDBACK
Biofeedback and neurofeedback can be used to manage tinnitus. To be successful, these treatments require high motivation. These treatments also require significant time and money. The treatment sessions last approximately an hour. It takes at least 15 sessions to see any results. This method uses intense counseling to control tinnitus. These methods address both the tinnitus and the stress that can accompany it.
HEARING AIDS
Nearly 80% of people suffering from tinnitus have some degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss is often gradual and the person doesn’t notice it until the tinnitus noises become unbearable. The brain loses hearing ability, which causes a decrease in stimulation. The brain’s ability to process sound differently is affected by this loss of stimulation. The brain is now busy creating signals to process the fewer signals that are coming in. Tinnitus is the outcome.
Although hearing aids do not restore your hearing, they can amplify sounds from the surrounding environment. Amplification causes more signals to be sent to the brain. The brain is too busy processing real sounds, so it can’t hear phantoms. The hearing aids can also increase the background noise that you hear. The background noise acts as white noise and masks the tinnitus. Hearing aids reduce stress because you can no longer follow conversations. Wearing hearing aids can reduce stress-related tinnitus.
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