Tinnitus can be a serious problem for your hearing health. Tinnitus can be permanent and incurable in many cases. Even if you are unable to find a cure for your tinnitus, there may be treatment options that can help you live with it or reduce its effects. Your audiologist is one of the most trusted advisors in the treatment of tinnitus. How do they do this?
Fitting a Hearing Aid
Tinnitus can be treated with hearing aids, particularly if it is at a lower frequency. Audiologists can conduct tinnitus hearing tests that will help you determine the frequency, pitch, and tone of your tinnitus sounds. If tinnitus makes hearing difficult, hearing aids can be used to amplify external sounds. Many patients have reported that hearing aids can not only improve your hearing but also make it easier to get used to hearing aids.
SOUND THERAPIES
Your audiologist might be able to recommend sound masking devices. These devices look and fit in the same way as hearing aids. They produce their own sound, rather than amplifying external sounds to drown out tinnitus. Sound masking devices use the hearing exam to determine the frequency and pitch of your tinnitus. They then tune the sound to produce a match to cancel it out. Sound masking can be very effective, but some people report it completely drowns out their tinnitus. Others find it ineffective. An audiologist may recommend white noise machines that you can use to drown out your tinnitus while you sleep. Tinnitus sufferers often experience sleep deprivation.
TAKE A CLOSER TO LOOK AT YOUR EYE
An audiologist will not only conduct an examination to determine the type of tinnitus, but also perform a physical exam. Sometimes, but not always, it is possible to find the root cause of your tinnitus. This could be due to a buildup or infection of earwax or a blockage in the blood vessels. Tinnitus can be eliminated completely if these root causes are found and treated. Tinnitus sufferers are unlikely to find the root cause of their symptoms. It is important to be realistic about your expectations. It’s worth asking an audiologist to take a look, just in case they find the cause.
Tinnitus can be difficult to treat because the treatment is different for each person. While your audiologist is most likely to find a treatment that works for you, don’t lose heart if it doesn’t. There are many other options.
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