TINNITUS
Tinnitus is often described as a ringing in the ears, but can also sound like hissing, buzzing, roaring, sizzling, clicking or other noise. Tinnitus can manifest as an acute symptom lasting just a few days, or a chronic or recurring symptom lasting weeks, months or years.
Tinnitus is a symptom of a wide range of health conditions, and it can occasionally point to a more serious problem that needs professional medical attention. This is why trying to identify a cause is important, even though it may not be possible.
EVALUATIONS
If you’re one of the five percent of Americans suffering from tinnitus that is “moderately to significantly annoying,” it’s a great idea to visit a hearing specialist for an evaluation. Our team of audiologists is equipped with many tools and strategies to help patients with tinnitus, but first we need to assess your condition.
Types of Tinnitus
Tinnitus only you can hear is called subjective. Subject tinnitus is the most common type and is often caused by ototoxic medications or one of many audiological, neurological, metabolic and psychological conditions.
Objective tinnitus is much rarer and the sound it causes can be heard by the patient and an outside examiner or observer. This type of tinnitus is often tied to underlying vascular or neurological problems.
MANAGEMENT
There is no universal cure for tinnitus, but there are treatments that make it less of a distraction. Because tinnitus is a side effect of an underlying condition, identifying the problem may lead to a medical or surgical solution. The cure rates for pulsatile tinnitus are quite high once the problem has been identified.
Treatments for Tinnitus
Acoustic Therapy
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy
Hearing aids
Steroid Injections
Surgery
Counseling