Tinnitus is defined as an internal auditory sense that has no external counterpart. Although tinnitus is generally believed to be incurable, it can be considerably mitigated and controlled with professional assistance.

Because tinnitus affects people in different ways and to different degrees, it is crucial that you have a hearing test and tinnitus assessment performed by an audiologist so that you can get the best possible care.

The most common symptom of tinnitus is often a ringing or buzzing in the ears even when there is no external noise and may be perceived as:

• Hissing
• Buzzing
• Humming
• Clicking
• Roaring

Tinnitus perception and it’s reaction is often quite varied from individual to individual. The reaction may vary from non-concerning to annoyance to inability to relax and constantly be affected by tinnitus. 

To understand how tinnitus is affecting someone, the audiologist at Vital Hearing administers questionnaires which establish not only the problem areas but the degree to which someone is getting affected. Having detailed understanding and analysis of tinnitus and correlating it with hearing assessment, allows the audiologists to determine management strategies which often include counselling as well as discussion on addressing the underlying cause. 

If it is determined that the potential underlying cause of tinnitus is presence of hearing loss, the audiologist may suggest or trial use of hearing devices. If the underlying cause is due to a medical condition including any middle ear pathology, the audiologist will refer you back to the GP with appropriate recommendations for further referrals.

Some forms of treatment include

•       Masking: Masking involves using external noise to cover the tinnitus noise in the ear. Tinnitus is usually more disturbing in quiet surroundings. Another constant sound at a low level, such as a ticking clock or radio static (white noise), may mask the tinnitus and make it less noticeable.
•       Medicine or drug therapy: Some medicines may reduce the effect of tinnitus. This needs to be discussed with your GP or treating specialist. 
•       Hearing Aids: Often the reason for tinnitus is presence of an underlying hearing loss. Wearing a hearing aid makes it easier for some people to hear the sounds they need to hear by making them louder. The better you hear other people talking or the music you like, the less you notice your tinnitus.
•       Tinnitus maskers: Some people sleep better when they use masking noise. Listening to constant sound at a low volume on the radio or using bedside maskers can help. These are devices you can put by your bed instead of behind your ear. They can help you ignore your tinnitus and fall asleep.
•       Tinnitus retraining therapy: This treatment, usually administered by a trained professional, uses a combination of low level, broad-band noise and counseling to get the person to get used to the tinnitus (habituation) of tinnitus.
•       Relaxing: Learning how to relax is very helpful if the noise in your ears frustrates you. Stress makes tinnitus seem worse. By relaxing, you have a chance to rest better.