Living with the constant ringing or buzzing of tinnitus can be a daily struggle, and while it's true that there's currently no medical or surgical cure, that doesn't mean you're out of options.
Living with the constant ringing or buzzing of tinnitus can be a daily struggle, and while it's true that there's currently no medical or surgical cure, that doesn't mean you're out of options. In our comprehensive guide to tinnitus treatments, we explore the many ways you can manage this condition and lead a normal, comfortable life.
In this article, we delve into the world of tinnitus and explore four promising tinnitus solutions:
Tinnitus is primarily characterized by the perception of noise or ringing in the ears, not caused by an external source. The condition can stem from various underlying causes, including hearing loss, ear canal blockage, and certain medications. Tinnitus affects approximately 10 to 15 percent of adults, making it a relatively common condition.
While the exact cause of tinnitus remains elusive, it's known that the condition is a result of an issue in the brain, not the ears. An absence or reduction of some sound frequencies leads to the brain filling in the missing sound information, resulting in the perception of noise or ringing.
While tinnitus can't always be cured, especially when it's due to sensorineural hearing loss, various treatments can help manage the symptoms, allowing patients to lead more comfortable, unencumbered lives. -
Given that hearing loss and tinnitus often occur together, hearing aids can be an effective solution for managing tinnitus. These devices can increase the volume of external sounds, thereby helping to mask the tinnitus sound. Many modern hearing aids also come with tinnitus masking features, which can play white noise or soothing sounds to cover up the tinnitus sound.
Many people with tinnitus find hearing aids an effective management tool, especially since many are already using them for hearing loss. Hearing aids can mask the tinnitus sound, naturally pushing it into the background without requiring extra effort or time to learn a new system. This dual benefit of aiding hearing and managing tinnitus makes hearing aids a convenient and popular choice.
According to patient testimonials, the use of hearing aids can sometimes lead to a significant reduction or even disappearance of tinnitus symptoms.
Lenire is a groundbreaking new tinnitus treatment device that delivers sounds via headphones and gentle electrical pulses on the tongue simultaneously. The combined stimulation helps retrain the brain, reducing the focus on the tinnitus and thereby lessening its impact on daily life. The concept hinges on the brain's ability to adapt to new experiences and learn from them, known as neuroplasticity.
Lenire's effectiveness as a tinnitus treatment device has been proven through extensive clinical trials. In fact, it's the first device of its kind to receive approval from the FDA for tinnitus treatment. According to the trials, 83% of patients recommended Lenire for tinnitus treatment.
Silicon Valley Hearing, based in Los Gatos, CA, is proud to be one of the first providers of Lenire in the United States. At the time of writing, we are the only certified Lenire provider in the San Jose area.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is a potential treatment option for moderate or severe tinnitus. It involves a combination of counseling and sound therapy to train your brain to ignore the tinnitus sound. The therapy, which typically takes 12 to 18 months, has been found to lead to significant improvements in about 80% of people.
During TRT, patients undergo counseling sessions to change their perception of tinnitus and initiate the habituation process. Simultaneously, they use a device that produces a continuous, low-level white noise to suppress tinnitus symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) uses no technology, but rather focuses on a psychological solution to managing tinnitus. CBT aims to identify and modify negative patterns of thought and behavior. While it doesn't reduce the subjective loudness of tinnitus, it can increase the well-being of affected people by changing their negative emotional reaction to the sound.
Before starting one of these treatments for tinnitus, a comprehensive tinnitus assessment with us at Silicon Valley Hearing is essential. This evaluation typically involves a detailed hearing test to determine the specific characteristics of your tinnitus, such as its pitch and loudness. We may also ask about your medical history, exposure to loud noises, and any related symptoms. This assessment helps in tailoring a treatment plan that's most effective for your particular case of tinnitus.
We understand the challenges that come with tinnitus and are committed to providing compassionate, informative, and empathetic care to those seeking relief. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and start your journey towards improved hearing and a better quality of life.
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