The treatment for tinnitus

By Amanda Barbur, Doctor of Audiology; Amanda’s Family Hearing

At some point in their lives, about one in five people will experience tinnitus. This perceived noise in the ears that doesn’t correspond to an external sound can be related to hearing loss or other issues such as noise exposure, high blood pressure, earwax buildup or certain medications.

Tinnitus is sometimes the brain’s way of compensating for the sound it isn’t getting due to hearing loss. Other times, it can result from a more serious medical condition that needs to be addressed. Tinnitus can be any perceived sound such as a ringing, buzzing, clicking or hissing. In some cases, it can become so severe it is difficult to concentrate or sleep.

As doctors of audiology, we are well educated on tinnitus and the different treatment methods available. The first action is to get to the root cause. We obtain a thorough medical history followed by an otoscopic examination of the ear. We will remove ear wax if necessary, such as if it is obstructing the view of your eardrum, or if it may be impeding your hearing. After that, we administer a comprehensive hearing test to determine if there is loss, and what type and severity it is. If there is a hearing loss, it is common for amplification with hearing aids to not only help you hear better, but to also reduce tinnitus significantly.

For the cases we encounter where amplification is not appropriate or does not offer enough relief, there are other approaches we can take to suppress or mask the tinnitus such as a combination of counseling and ear worn masking devices.

Ringing in the ears is not something people should let go in hopes it will improve on its own. We’re here to help. Come hear with us.

Amanda’s Family Hearing is located at 1701 Mentor Avenue, Suite 5, in Painesville. Financing and leasing options are available. The doctors accept most insurances and discount plans. Call 440-357-4327 or visit AmandasFamilyHearing.com for more information.