Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there is no external noise creating it. Most often, people describe tinnitus as a ringing or high-pitched tone, but it can manifest as a range of sounds, including buzzing, cicadas, hissing, swooshing and more. The American Tinnitus Association reports that more than 25 million Americans experience this condition.
Several underlying causes contribute to tinnitus, but the simplest explanation is that the brain is accustomed to receiving 100% of sound. When the ears, for whatever reason, no longer transmit 100% of sound, the brain creates its own sound in the absence thereof. Spoiler alert: silence is not your friend, my friend.
The first step in treating tinnitus is a comprehensive diagnostic hearing evaluation, including tinnitus matching. Determining whether your tinnitus correlates with other test results will help develop a treatment plan tailored to you. The evaluation will also provide your audiologist with information to rule out the need for medical intervention or make referrals when necessary.
Treatment for tinnitus can be as simple as incorporating environmental modifications into your daily routine. If you have hearing loss, research confirms that using hearing aids is very likely to reduce the perceived severity of your tinnitus. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for tinnitus.
The most important thing you can do to manage your tinnitus is to avoid joining online discussions and “support groups.” Instead, schedule an evaluation with an audiologist at Acro Audiology Hearing Center. We will provide you with the tools and resources you need to live a fulfilling life with your tinnitus.