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Tinnitus Treatment Plans


Do you regularly hear a ‘ringing’, ‘whooshing’, or buzzing when there is no source of that sound? You may be suffering from tinnitus. At its worst, it be causes stress, sleep deprivation, or even depression.


But, you must not give up! Our latest technological solutions and individualized treatments plans could have a huge impact on your life. 

While tinnitus can occur in every stage of life and affects both men and women, the condition is most common among men. According to an American study, almost 12% of men who are 65 to 74 years of age are affected by tinnitus.

 

Tinnitus is not a disease but rather a reflection of something else that is going on in the hearing system or brain

What causes tinnitus?


Almost anything that can affect a person’s hearing can lead to tinnitus. The following have been identified as potential causes of tinnitus:

 

  • Earwax: Impacted earwax can put pressure on the hearing system, causing tinnitus.
  • Exposure to extreme noise: Both long-term exposure and sudden loud noises can trigger a permanent hearing loss that results in tinnitus.
  • Hearing loss: Having to strain to hear can raise tinnitus levels. 
  • Meniere’s disease: A medical condition that also causes dizziness, nausea, and fluctuating hearing loss.
  • Some medications: Tinnitus can be a side effect of common medicines such as antibiotics and arthritis pills.
  • Stress and fatigue: Elevated stress and a poor sleep can make tinnitus worse.
  • Caffeine: Tea, coffee, cola, and chocolate can all increase the severity of tinnitus, along with food and drinks containing quinine.
  • Smoking: This can cause tinnitus by restricting the blood flow through your ear canal and limiting the supply of Oxygen.
  • Alcohol: Red wine and champagne are well known for triggering tinnitus.
  • Pregnancy, anemia and an overactive thyroid can cause certain types of tinnitus.
  • Jaw joint misalignment or muscles of the ear or throat “twitching” can cause a “clicking” type of tinnitus


 

Treating Tinnitus


Research has yet to discover a cure for the condition. As there are varying causes of tinnitus, Australian Audiology Services concentrate instead on “management” rather than solutions.

Your Individualised Treatment Plan


The best place to start is a full hearing assessment to try to identify the underlying cause of tinnitus. Based findings of that assessment, we will develop a plan that may include one or several of the following interventions:

 

  • Earwax removal
  • Free smartphone app
  • Counselling
  • Headphones
  • Bluetooth streaming device
  • Therapeutic noise generator
  • Discreet hearing devices

 

* If the assessment reveals significant hearing loss, we may advise you that a hearing aid is likely to reduce or, in some cases, completely alleviate the condition.

Further options


We may also recommend an consultation with a Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist who can prescribe medical treatments. Following successful surgical treatment for some ear problems (e.g. otosclerosis or middle ear effusion), tinnitus may fade away.

 

A tinnitus masker is another option to help manage the condition where hearing loss is not present. While it looks like a hearing aid, it actually produces a blend of external sounds that stimulate hearing nerve fibers, helping deviate attention away from the tinnitus.


Clinical psychologists often recommend Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) where other treatments have failed. This therapy can be effective for some people to help alleviate distress and help them adjust to tinnitus. The function of CBT is threefold:


1.    It changes the way a person perceives their tinnitus
2.    It teaches individuals how to focus attention away from tinnitus
3.    It helps people achieve control over their stress. 


Finally, if we suspect that tinnitus is related to a jaw alignment problem, we will recommend consulting your dentist.

Arrange a consultation


Further options

 

Call Australian Audiology Services today on 1300 864 437 today to arrange a hearing evaluation and consultation. Alternatively, complete the form below and we will be in touch with you very soon to arrange an appointment or answer your questions.

Tinnitus Reports for the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)


Veterans of all ages who were exposed to loud noise during military training and service may develop tinnitus or hearing loss.

 

For clients who have a DVA Gold Card or White Card with acceptable circumstances of tinnitus, the DVA will provide funding for hearing assessments, hearing aids, and related services. This covers your evaluation, fitting, and instruction, as well as the upkeep and repairs of any recommended hearing devices.

 

See here for more information.

Arrange a consultation


Further options

 

Call Australian Audiology Services today on 1300 864 437 today to arrange a hearing evaluation and consultation. Alternatively, complete the form below and we will be in touch with you very soon to arrange an appointment or answer your questions.

Request a tinnitus evaluation today!


Australian Audiology Services are here for all of your hearing care needs. Call us today on 1300 864 327, or complete the form below. One of our team will will be in touch as soon as possible to answer your questions, or to schedule an appointment at one of our hearing centres.