Tinnitus – FAQs

Hearing Evaluation Services has developed a Tinnitus Management Program that is built off of treatment research and years of tinnitus treatment outcomes. Many patients we treat have suffered for years before seeking treatment because they didn’t know that getting help was even an option.

Here are a few frequently asked questions about tinnitus that may help you have a better understanding of this condition:

What is tinnitus? – Tinnitus is defined as the perception of sound when no external sound is present. Tinnitus is often described as ringing, buzzing, hissing, crickets chirping, etc. It can be present constantly or occur intermittently and can fluctuate in volume or type of sound. Tinnitus is considered a symptom and not a disease.

What causes tinnitus? – The biological mechanism of tinnitus is still unknown; however, current research suggests it is a result of the brain’s reaction to a change within the auditory system. Roughly 90% of people who experience tinnitus have an underlying hearing loss. It can also occur temporarily because of ear wax that is plugging the ears, ear infections, exposure to loud sounds or as a side effect of certain medications. Tinnitus is also associated with other non-auditory conditions such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder as well as head or neck injuries.

Is there a cure for Tinnitus? – Tinnitus that is the result of certain ear-related issues (including impacted ear wax and conductive hearing loss) will typically diminish once the underlying medical issue is resolved. Tinnitus that is related to permanent hearing loss is not generally curable but it is often manageable using sound therapy and counseling techniques so that is no longer bothersome. Our Tinnitus Management Program is extremely successful. Over 85% of patients reported a reduction in how bothersome their tinnitus was in just six weeks.

What options are available to help patients better manage their tinnitus? – The certified tinnitus specialists at Hearing Evaluation Services are trained in various aspects of Sound Therapy and work with patients to develop an individualized tinnitus management plan.

Current management options include:

• Hearing Devices

• Masking Devices

• Neuromonics™ Devices

• Combination Devices

• Counseling

• Stress and Sleep Management

If you are experiencing bothersome tinnitus, please call our office today to set up an appointment with one of our specialists.