Tinnitus is the perception of sound, such as ringing, buzzing, whistling, humming, clicking or hissing, in the ears or head when no external sound is present. It can be occasional or constant. Tinnitus is typically linked to hearing loss, noise exposure or certain medications (over 200 kinds, including aspirin), and it can also be strongly associated with stress. It is very common and, importantly, you don't have to simply live with it.
Hyperacusis is an increased or over-sensitivity to sound, where everyday sounds that are comfortable for most people feel uncomfortably or even painfully loud. It often occurs alongside tinnitus. A full audiological work-up is the first step in managing both conditions.
Hearing aids can partially mask tinnitus and can enhance hearing at the same time. Sound therapy with hearing aids exercises the auditory portion of the brain and creates stimulation in areas with hearing loss, part of the tinnitus retraining therapy process.
There are hearing aids available that feature tinnitus and relaxation programmes, incorporating peaceful background sounds for tinnitus sufferers.
The use of hearing aids and sound therapy to treat tinnitus must be accompanied by education, counselling and stress management. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists the patient with changing his/ her thought patterns associated with their tinnitus. CBT has shown to be a vital part of tinnitus retraining therapy.
We at Tami Mehl Audiology find it beneficial to include professionals from other disciplines such as psychologists and physiotherapists in our management plan with Tinnitus patients.
FAQs
Tinnitus is the perception of sound, such as ringing, buzzing, whistling, humming, clicking or hissing, in the ears or head when no external sound is present. It can be occasional or constant. It is typically linked to hearing loss, noise exposure or certain medications, and can also be associated with stress. It is very common and you don't have to simply live with it.
Yes. While there is rarely a single cure, tinnitus can be managed effectively so that it bothers you far less. Options include hearing aids, sound therapy, education, counselling, stress management and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), many forming part of tinnitus retraining therapy.
Yes, for many people with hearing loss, hearing aids are one of the most effective tools. They can partially mask the tinnitus while improving your hearing, and the sound therapy they provide stimulates the auditory part of the brain. Some hearing aids include dedicated tinnitus and relaxation programmes.
Hyperacusis is an increased or over-sensitivity to sound, where everyday sounds that are comfortable for most people feel uncomfortably or even painfully loud. It often occurs alongside tinnitus. A full audiological work-up is the first step in managing it.
Most tinnitus is not dangerous and is related to hearing loss or noise exposure, but it should still be assessed. Tinnitus in one ear only, pulsing tinnitus, or tinnitus with sudden hearing loss, dizziness or pain should be evaluated promptly. We liaise with an ENT specialist where indicated to exclude underlying medical conditions.
Yes, stress is strongly associated with tinnitus and can make it feel louder or more intrusive, which in turn can create more stress. This is why effective management includes education, counselling, stress management and cognitive behavioural therapy.
