Tinnitus Management

Tinnitus refers to ringing in the ears and involves internal sounds such as ringing, clicking, or humming. While subtle for some, severe cases might hinder focus and sleep, leading to frustration. Tinnitus management involves identifying the severity and cause of your tinnitus and finding the best strategies to help ease symptoms.

While there is no complete cure for tinnitus, there are treatment options that can help manage discomfort and prevent your condition from worsening. The key factors in assessing and addressing tinnitus include its duration, whether it affects one or both ears, any accompanying changes in hearing, and the overall impact (whether bothersome or not).

How does tinnitus management work?

Tinnitus management involves taking approaches to alleviate symptoms and improve your overall auditory experience. The process consists of a combination of strategies tailored to address your specific needs and the underlying causes of tinnitus.

The process begins with a detailed assessment of your medical history, hearing capabilities, and lifestyle factors. Diagnostic tests, such as hearing tests, help to identify the extent of hearing loss and assess the frequency and intensity of tinnitus sounds.

Identifying the underlying causes, whether linked to age-related hearing loss or stress, is crucial for tailoring an effective management plan. Educational sessions and counselling provide insights into tinnitus, addressing its physical and emotional impacts. Sound therapy introduces background sounds or white noise to distract from tinnitus, offering relief and reducing its prominence.

Hearing aids may be recommended if hearing loss contributes to tinnitus. Behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques, and, if necessary, medication play integral roles in managing stress and alleviating symptoms. Regular follow-up appointments ensure adjustments to the management plan, reflecting your evolving needs and progress.

What results can I expect from tinnitus management?

Tinnitus management is personalised, considering the unique aspects of your condition, ensuring a tailored and effective approach to improving your auditory well-being.

The following are some of the results you can expect from tinnitus management:

• Hearing aids: hearing aids may benefit some people with tinnitus who have hearing loss. Using a hearing aid may make some sounds louder.
• Cochlear implants: cochlear implants are an option for individuals with tinnitus and severe hearing loss to help them regain their hearing ability.
• Masking: masking or sound therapy provides help for some people by making tinnitus less noticeable. This small electronic device creates a sound that may make the ringing or roaring sound softer, which helps alleviate disturbances you have been experiencing.
• Medications: some medications may be prescribed to ease tinnitus by addressing a problem related to the condition. Medications may also improve mood or sleep.
• Tinnitus retraining therapy: tinnitus retraining therapy is a combination of counselling and maskers.
• Counselling: individuals with tinnitus may benefit from meeting with a counsellor or support group to understand better how to manage life with tinnitus.
• Relaxation: relieving yourself of stress may help reduce symptoms, as stress may worsen tinnitus.

How many sessions of tinnitus management are needed?

The number of sessions required for tinnitus management varies based on individual needs and progress. Typically, an initial assessment determines the severity of symptoms and assists in formulating a tailored management plan. Short-term interventions may involve a few sessions to provide education and counselling and introduce coping strategies.

For those with more persistent symptoms, a longer-term approach may be recommended, involving ongoing sessions to monitor progress, make necessary adjustments, and address emerging challenges. Regular follow-ups ensure the management plan remains effective and aligns with your evolving needs, contributing to a gradual reduction in the impact of tinnitus on your daily life.