What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is when you hear a ringing, buzzing, crackling, roaring, or clicking sound in the ears.
There are two broad types of tinnitus: objective and subjective tinnitus. Most people experience subjective tinnitus, which means only the person with tinnitus can actually hear it. In other words, it’s not audible to those around them. Objective tinnitus is audible to those around the person, but this is quite rare.
How Common is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is incredibly common, affecting over 50 million Americans (about 15% of the population) according to the American Tinnitus Association. Of those, about 2 million people suffer from extreme or severe tinnitus that disrupts their daily life.
What Can You Do About Tinnitus?
If you are experiencing bothersome tinnitus, the first step is to call us and get your hearing tested. Tinnitus is most often associated with hearing loss, but it could also be the result of a medical condition.
We will complete a tinnitus evaluation to determine the nature and severity of the tinnitus. Three-fourths of people don’t consider their tinnitus to be bothersome, but one-fourth do. Detailed questionnaires are used to understand the full degree of the impairment as it relates to your daily life.
Pending the nature and severity of the tinnitus, an individualized management plan will be created. It is important to understand there is not one particular treatment plan for tinnitus and there is no cure; however, with the appropriate management plan, great improvements can be made in the perception and physical attributes of one’s tinnitus.
Possible treatments include use of hearing aids, sound generators, ear-level maskers, cognitive behavioral therapy, or possible referrals to outside disciplines for team management approach.
There is hope if you are suffering from tinnitus, even if you have been told otherwise. We can partner with you to provide expert tinnitus care in the ongoing management of this frustrating condition. Please contact us to schedule an evaluation today!
