Tinnitus & Relaxation Therapy

The CDC estimates that 15% of the general population, about 50 million people, suffer some form of the condition. It can be acute or chronic, constant or irregular, tonal or pulsatile. Generally, there are two types:

SUBJECTIVE TINNITUS:

Head or ear noises that are perceivable only to the specific patient. More than 99% of all tinnitus reported tinnitus cases are of the subjective variety.

OBJECTIVE TINNITUS:

Head or ear noises that are audible to other people, as well as the patient. These sounds are usually produced by internal functions in the body’s circulatory (blood flow) and somatic (musculoskeletal movement) systems.

Objective tinnitus is very rare, representing less than 1% of total tinnitus cases.

TINNITUS IS NOT A DISEASE IN AND OF ITSELF, BUT RATHER SYMPTOMS OF SOME OTHER UNDERLYING HEALTH CONDITION.

While it is often associated with hearing loss, there are roughly 200 different health disorders that can generate tinnitus as a symptom; such as middle ear obstructions, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, brain injuries, and as a side effect of prescription medications.

No matter the cause, tinnitus can be debilitating; resulting in anxiety, depression, irritability, poor concentration, and social isolation.

THE NEWS IS NOT ALL BAD.

Tinnitus cannot be cured but it can be managed. The first thing to do is see an audiologist. These hearing professionals will be able to correctly measure and evaluate each patient’s tinnitus case.

Once that is done, your hearing professional will be able to recommend options best for you and
your situation. They may recommend hearing aids, sound masking techniques, and behavioral therapies and may talk to your primary doctor about your current drug regimen and/or medications to treat some of the side effects of tinnitus.

THERE ARE EVEN THINGS YOU CAN DO AT HOME:

Diet: a healthful diet can reduce high blood pressure, increase energy levels and contribute to an overall feeling of good health. You
can also determine if caffeine has an effect on your experience with your tinnitus.

Exercise: can increase blood flow and reduce stress (which often exacerbates symptoms).

Hearing Protection: this may be especially helpful if you have extreme sound sensitivity.

Social Activity: many with tinnitus feel isolated. Sharing these feelings will help create a peer support network.

Our team at Hears to U Audiology wants you to know you are not alone. We have the knowledge and expertise to help you manage your tinnitus.  We offer different types of treatment and stay on top of the research.