Tinnitus Treatment
Imagine a solitary violin playing in an empty room. It is the only sound you hear. Tinnitus can be like this violin, attracting your entire attention.
When you see an Interhearing audiologist, he or she will help create a course of treatment that suits your needs. The treatment goal is to manage your tinnitus.
Over time, through sound treatment, the tinnitus becomes less noticeable. This is like the violin when joined by a room full of other instruments. If you listen intently, you can identify the violin, but otherwise it doesn’t stand out.
Finding relief, gaining control
Our goal is to help you understand and gain control of your tinnitus rather than letting it take control over you. There is no cure for tinnitus but having a better understanding of how to manage it can help you feel better.
No single approach works for everyone. You may need to try different combinations of techniques before you find out what works best for you.
The benefits of sound
You may find that listening to different types of sound can move your attention away from your tinnitus and provide relief. This is what your audioligst will refer to as sound therapy or a treatment plan.
This can include:
- White noise machine: a device for your bedside that can play various sounds to reduce tinnitus.
- Music: soothing music or nature sounds can reduce the contrast between tinnitus and quiet environments
- Hearing aids: small devices for the ears that amplify sound. More sound makes your tinnitus stand out less.
- Combinations devices: hearing aids with special programs for tinnitus
Additional solutions
There are additional things you can do to change the way you think about and react to tinnitus.
• Relaxation and mindfulness exercises can help reduce the intensity of tinnitus for some people. Practicing yoga and meditation can be helpful especially under the guidance of a health care professional.
• A healthy diet and exercising can have a positive impact on your life.
• Wear hearing protection when hunting, operating power tools, lawn mowers and other noise producing devices.
• Listen to music at moderate level, especially when using audio headsets.
• Think positively. Negative or angry feelings can make tinnitus seem worse. Focus on the things that makes you happy.
• Maintain good sleep practices. For example, keep a regular bedtime routine and avoid big meals, alcohol, caffeine, and exercise before sleeping.
Helping your tinnitus
Learning to manage tinnitus is the first step to maintaining your health and regaining hope.
Ask yourself the following questions:
1. Because of your tinnitus, is it difficult for you to concentrate?
2. Because of your tinnitus, do you have trouble falling asleep at night?
3. Because of your tinnitus, do you feel frustrated?
4. Does your tinnitus make it difficult to enjoy life?
5. Do you feel as though you cannot escape from your tinnitus?
If you answer yes to one (or more) of the questions above, then it would be a good idea to contact Interhearing for a tinnitus consultation.
Interhearing will partner with you, set goals and develop a treatment plan that is best for you.
