Treatment Options For Tinnitus – Hearing Aids And More
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can have many causes. The good news is that this annoying condition, which affects 50 million Americans, also has many effective treatments. From hearing aids to alternative therapy, let’s explore the many treatment options for tinnitus sufferers.
Sound amplification makes ambient noises louder, effectively drowning out the tinnitus. This can be accomplished with external hearing aids or cochlear implants, which send sound waves directly to the auditory nerve. Sound therapy works in a similar fashion; patients use wearable or non-wearable devices to generate harmless “white noise” which masks the annoying sounds of tinnitus.
Stress can worsen the symptoms of tinnitus for some people. Biofeedback is a stress management therapy that improves tinnitus symptoms in some individuals. Cognitive therapy is a process whereby the patient learns to control their own emotional response to tinnitus by changing their thinking processes. It is often coupled with other therapies for maximum effectiveness.
Drug therapy is another option. Certain anti-anxiety and anti-depression medications have proven to be effective treatments for tinnitus. They are usually combined with sound or cognitive therapy to attack the problem from many angles.
If tinnitus is the result of another condition, that condition must be addressed before treatment will be effective. For example, TMJ, a disorder of the jaw, can lead to tinnitus. A dentist would have to treat the TMJ before the tinnitus could be cured. Excessive ear wax and ear or sinus infections can also cause tinnitus symptoms.
Alternative treatments such as acupuncture, magnet therapy, vitamins, and minerals have also been used to control tinnitus symptoms. Their effectiveness has not been formally studied, but they’re generally harmless and some people find success with them. Speak to a qualified homeopath before you start any alternative regimen.
Different people experience tinnitus in different ways. As with any other medical condition, you should speak with your doctor about the severity of your tinnitus and the treatment options most appropriate for you.
By: Daniel Beasley
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If you are suffering from hearing loss or ringing ears, the ear doctors of AudNet can help. Consult an experienced audiologist to learn more about treatment options, including digital hearing aids.