What is Tinnitus?
Did you know that over fifty million Americans experience some form of tinnitus? A tinnitus sufferer would typically complain of hearing ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whistling in their ears. Tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying condition such as noise induced hearing loss, age related hearing loss, ear infections, ear injury, or a circulatory system disorder. Most people generally adjust to chronic tinnitus over time but the condition can be much more bothersome to others. Those that aren’t able to adjust may experience side effects such as insomnia, depression, anxiety, and irritability.
Risk Factors
There are various factors that may increase one’s risk of developing tinnitus. Exposure to loud noises can lead to noise induced hearing loss and result in tinnitus. Those who smoke are at a higher risk for developing tinnitus. In addition, men experience tinnitus more than women as do those that are older in age.
Management
Tinnitus cannot be cured but there are ways in which it can be managed. Treating any underlying health conditions that might cause tinnitus would be the initial step. Also, addressing and treating the previously mentioned side effects that one might be suffering from could help to improve the quality of life for that person. Sound Therapies, including using white noise machines, hearing aids, and masking devices, may help to suppress the sounds that one is hearing in his or her ears. Some people have also had success with acupuncture, hypnosis, and taking supplements like zinc and vitamin B.
Meet the Audiology Team at Plymouth Ear, Nose, and Throat
Plymouth Ear, Nose and Throat is pleased to introduce you to our amazing Audiology team members who can help you with all of your hearing concerns including tinnitus management!
Eunyoung Won has been with Plymouth ENT since 2013 and brings with her seventeen years of clinical experience and focuses her interests on all aspects of audiological evaluation, including tinnitus.
Tiffany Bossie joined our team in 2016. Tiffany enjoys staying up to date in both clinical and technological research and her clinical interests are centered around amplification fitting and management as well as aural rehabilitation strategies.
Jennifer Ishmael also joined Plymouth ENT in 2016. Jennifer prides herself in providing quality care for her patients that is based on the latest research and applies that research to her clinical interests, including vestibular evaluations and management and aural rehabilitation.
Click here to read more about our team members and here to schedule your appointment today!