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Tinnitus treatment
Tinnitus is an abnormal perception of a sound which is reported by patients that is unrelated to an external source of stimulation. Tinnitus is a very common disorder. It may be intermittent, constant or fluctuant, mild or severe, and may vary from a low roaring sensation to a high pitched type of sound. It may or may not be associated with a hearing loss. It is also classified further into subjective tinnitus (a noise perceived by the patient alone) or objective (a noise perceived by the patient as well as by another listener). Subjective tinnitus is common; however, objective tinnitus is relatively uncommon. The location of tinnitus may be in the ear(s) and/or in the head.
Tinnitus is a symptom much like a headache or other pain. Because of this it is subjective and can be difficult to record and quantify. However a properly trained audiologist can zero in on the quality of your tinnitus. The quality of the tinnitus refers to the description by the patient of the tinnitus: It may be a ringing, buzzing, cricket, ocean, etc., type of sound. The quality may be multiple sounds or a singular sound as well.
The actual causes of tinnitus can vary greatly. The cause of tinnitus may also be singular or multiple. A complete tinnitus evaluation is necessary to determine the type and degree of tinnitus you suffer from.
Measurement of Tinnitus
A tinnitus evaluation is comprised of multiple parts. Typically it begins with a complete audiological examination, which includes a hearing test. Also, to evaluate the symptoms of the tinnitus itself you will undergo tests for pitch-matching, loudness-matching, loudness sensitivity, and also a test to determine the maskability and inhibition of the tinnitus.
Treatment of Tinnitus
Depending on the determined cause of your tinnitus, Dr. Wikoff will make a recommendation for the best possible treatment plan. Very often, we find that those who suffer from tinnitus also have a hearing loss. This is why the hearing test is part of the tinnitus evaluation. When the ear stops hearing certain frequencies because of a hearing loss, the brain will often times try to compensate by causing you to hear those frequencies when they are not actually present. This in many cases is the ringing that you hear! Treating a hearing loss will most commonly ameliorate the symptoms of tinnitus after the mind has had time to acclimate to hearing correctly again.
In some cases, however, the tinnitus is not related to a hearing loss. In these cases, there are other options that Dr. Wikoff will discuss with you. One of these is the innovative Lenire device, a groundbreaking, non-invasive treatment that employs bimodal neuromodulation to alleviate the discomforting symptoms of tinnitus. It has recently received FDA approval and shown clinical efficacy in providing relief to numerous individuals grappling with tinnitus. Learn more about Lenire.
Another possibility would be a small device called a masker. It can be worn alone in the ear or be built into a hearing aid if there is hearing loss. The masker generates a noise which masks or covers the specific frequency and tone of ringing experienced by the patient. This methodology is successful for many patients who don't find relief from hearing aids alone.
Biofeedback training is also an effective method for managing tinnitus in some patients. It consists of exercises in which the patient learns to control the various parts of the body and relax the muscles. When a patient is able to accomplish this type of relaxation, tinnitus generally subsides. Most patients have expressed that biofeedback offered some to complete relief from the symptoms of tinnitus.
Other lifestyle measures can help control tinnitus as well. For instance, avoiding anxiety is crucial, as it typically increases the symptoms of tinnitus. Obtaining adequate rest and avoiding over fatigue are also recommended, along with avoiding excessive amounts of coffee and refraining from smoking when possible.
HEAR FROM OUR PATIENTS
Our Board-Certified Audiologists: Dr. Wikoff and Dr. Culberson
With over 20 years of combined experience, our board-certified audiologists, Dr. Wikoff and Dr. Culberson, are at the forefront of the audiology field. They both hold a B.A. in Speech and Hearing Science as well as a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree. Our team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in audiology and are committed to providing exceptional care and staying at the forefront of advancements in hearing health.
Unwavering Dedication to Excellence
Our audiologists maintain licensure to practice audiology in the state of Georgia and hold prestigious certifications, including board certification with the American Board of Audiology (ABA). We are proud members of leading professional organizations such as the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA), the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), and the Georgia Academy of Audiology (GAA) and the American Tinnitus Association (ATA).
Personalized Care and Comprehensive Services
At Peachtree Hearing, we prioritize building strong relationships with our patients. We believe that listening to your concerns, understanding your lifestyle, and conducting thorough evaluations are essential for providing effective treatment. Our audiologists offer a comprehensive range of services, including advanced diagnostics, personalized hearing aid fittings, tinnitus management, assistive listening devices, and ongoing support for optimal hearing health.
Experience the Peachtree Hearing Difference
When you choose Peachtree Hearing, you're not just receiving exceptional audiology services – you're becoming a part of our caring community. We are committed to your well-being, providing long-term care, and ensuring your journey to better hearing is supported every step of the way. Trust our experienced audiologists, Dr. Wikoff and Dr. Culberson, to help you rediscover the joy of hearing and reconnect with the world around you.
Schedule a consultation with our board-certified audiologists at Peachtree Hearing today and experience the difference that personalized care can make in your hearing health journey.
Melissa Wikoff Au.D.
Why Choose Peachtree Hearing for Your Hearing Care?
Alex Culberson Au.D.
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