Tinnitus

Tinnitus impacts millions of people. Have you experienced a ringing or buzzing sound in your ears that doesn’t have an external source? Tinnitus ranges in severity. It can be a mild annoyance, or it can have a significant impact on your quality of life, affecting sleep, concentration, and overall well-being. At Better Hearing Associates, we're dedicated to helping you understand and manage tinnitus so you can enjoy life without the constant buzz.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is not a disease itself but rather a symptom of an underlying issue affecting the auditory system. It can manifest as various sounds, including ringing, buzzing, humming, whooshing, or even roaring, and may be constant or intermittent. Tinnitus can occur in one or both ears and may be perceived as coming from inside the head.

Our Services

Request an Appointment

Causes of Tinnitus

Tinnitus can be caused by a range of factors, from exposure to loud noise to underlying health conditions. Common factors contributing to tinnitus include:

Noise Exposure: Prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as loud music, machinery, or firearms, can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to tinnitus.
Age-related Hearing Loss: As we age, the structures of the inner ear naturally deteriorate, leading to age-related hearing loss. Tinnitus often goes hand-in-hand with hearing loss.
Earwax Buildup: Excessive earwax in the ear canal can cause blockages, leading to tinnitus symptoms. Cleaning the ears carefully or visiting us for professional cleaning can reduce the experience of tinnitus.
Medical Conditions: Tinnitus can be associated with various medical conditions, including Meniere's disease, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and cardiovascular problems.
Medications: Certain medications, such as some antibiotics, antidepressants, and chemotherapy drugs, can cause or exacerbate tinnitus as a side effect.

Identifying the underlying cause of tinnitus is the first step in developing an effective management plan and finding relief from symptoms.

What Should You Do if You Think You Have Tinnitus?

If you think you may have tinnitus, it's important to seek evaluation and guidance from a qualified hearing healthcare professional. Schedule an appointment with one of our audiologists at Better Hearing Associates for a comprehensive hearing assessment and tinnitus evaluation. During your appointment, we'll discuss your symptoms, medical history, and potential contributing factors to determine the best course of action.

Request an Appointment

Tinnitus Management Options

While tinnitus is not always curable, there are several management strategies available to help individuals reduce the impact of symptoms. Our team at Better Hearing Associates offers a range of tinnitus management options, including:

Sound Therapy: Sound therapy involves using external sounds, such as white noise, nature sounds, or music, to mask the perception of tinnitus. These soothing sounds can help individuals relax and reduce their awareness of tinnitus.
Hearing Aids: For individuals with hearing loss and tinnitus, hearing aids can be an effective tinnitus management tool. By amplifying external sounds and improving overall hearing, hearing aids can reduce the contrast between tinnitus and environmental sounds, making tinnitus less noticeable. We also have hearing aids with built-in tinnitus management programs that use sound therapy to mask tinnitus sounds.
Counseling and Education: Understanding tinnitus and learning coping strategies can significantly improve your ability to manage symptoms. Our specialists provide counseling and education sessions to help individuals develop skills for managing stress, improving sleep, and enhancing overall well-being.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): TRT is a comprehensive approach to tinnitus management that combines sound therapy with counseling and education. By helping individuals habituate to the sound of their tinnitus and change their emotional response to it, TRT can reduce the severity of symptoms over time.
Lifestyle Modifications: Making lifestyle changes, such as reducing exposure to loud noises, managing stress, reducing caffeine intake, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, can also help alleviate tinnitus symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

At Better Hearing Associates, we're committed to providing personalized tinnitus management solutions tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward effective tinnitus management and improved quality of life.

Request an Appointment