Imagine coming home from a long day of work. You lay on your couch, close your eyes then suddenly, your relaxation is interrupted by the sound of hissing static. You get up to try and find the cause of the noise, but you fail to find a source. You ask your partner “Do you hear that?”, they shake their head and look at you with concern. This is when you realise… You’re the only one that can hear it! What is this noise in your head?
It’s Tinnitus.
The term “tinnitus” is Latin in origin and means ringing or tinkling like a bell. It is not a disease, but a symptom of an underlying problem in your auditory system i.e. your ear, your auditory nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain and the parts of the brain that process sound. It can also be the result of several health conditions that are causing tinnitus such as Meniere’s disease, noise-induced hearing loss, ear and sinus infections, tumours, thyroid abnormalities etc. It is also common for tinnitus to be triggered by anxiety and stress.
Everyone’s experience with tinnitus is unique and is generally described as ringing, humming, roaring, whistling, buzzing or whooshing in the ear. It is a very common condition and is reported in all age groups, even young children. According to Tinnitus Australia, one in ten Australians has some form of tinnitus varying from mild to severe. It is one of the most widespread, underestimated health maladies in the world.
For many, the tinnitus experienced is of mild annoyance and only temporary. For others, it is an ongoing condition. Tinnitus can restrict your quality of life as it can be an unpleasant issue which can have a negative impact on your work, family and social life, for instance, causing trouble concentrating or frustration with just the little things.
Although there is no cure for tinnitus, you can successfully learn to manage your tinnitus thus limiting emotional effects. The best way to treat your tinnitus is to talk to your GP. You may be referred to by your GP to an Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon who will help exclude any underlying medical pathology. You may also be referred to an Audiologist for a full diagnostic hearing assessment.
Hearing Assessment- If you have a hearing loss, wearing hearing aids is likely to have a positive effect on your tinnitus as they will reduce the perception of your tinnitus by improving your hearing.
Tinnitus Assessment- Measurements need to be made to identify the individual characteristics of your tinnitus. Tinnitus usually occurs within the same region as a hearing loss or an octave or two either side. Tinnitus loudness levels including the disturbance level need to be identified for recommended appropriate treatment.
Neuromonics Assessment and Treatment- May be appropriate for those with severe tinnitus. A customized device with your individual tinnitus treatment prescription is designed to deliver a pleasant acoustic signal embedded in music. It is designed to simulate a wide range of the auditory pathways, to engage the emotional (limbic) system and autonomic nervous system of the brain to decrease tinnitus disturbance over a period of time.
At Attune Hearing, your Audiologist can explore these options with you and find the best solution to your tinnitus and hearing needs. But before any treatment takes place, both you and your Audiologist need to understand what is happening diagnostically with your hearing and identify your underlying cause of tinnitus. Call us today on 1800 195 155 to book an appointment with our Audiologist for a hearing or tinnitus assessment.
Are you suffering from severe tinnitus that is continuously affecting your day-to-day life? Are you having trouble concentrating at work or difficulty sleeping? For severe tinnitus cases and urgent appointments, please contact your local Attune Clinic for bookings.
