Tinnitus Clinic in Nanaimo
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a common problem that affects around 17% of the world’s population. Most of the time, it can only be heard by the person with tinnitus and can not be heard by others. However, sometimes the doctor can hear the noise if a stethoscope is put up to the ear.
Tinnitus Symptoms
The symptoms of tinnitus include a noise being heard in your ear when no external source in present. It is often described as “ringing in the ears,” but several sounds can be heard in the ear such as:
- Buzzing
- Whistling
- Hizzing
- Humming
- Roaring
- Clicking
- Heartbeat
The volume of the noise can fluctuate and the sounds are most often heard at night or when it is quiet. Tinnitus may be present all of the time, or it may come and go throughout your life.
Tinnitus Causes
Tinnitus isn’t a disease, it is a symptom of an underlying health condition. To determine what the underlying cause of your tinnitus is you may undergo several tests, including a physical exam, hearing and nerve tests or imaging such as an MRI or a CT scan. Be sure to inform the audiologist about any medications you are taking as tinnitus could be a side effect of some drugs.
Tinnitus is often associated with Inner ear damage, Ear infection, Age-related hearing loss, Blood flow problems, Meniere’s disease, Pregnancy and more
If you have tinnitus you may also suffer from anxiety, depression or insomnia. It is important to know that in many cases the cause of tinnitus can never be found.
If tinnitus is accompanied by dizziness, fever or a headache, please visit your family doctor as this may be a sign of a more serious condition.
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Tinnitus Treatments & Solutions
If your tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, the first step will be to treat that condition and see if the tinnitus goes away on it’s own. If the tinnitus remains, or if it is a result of being exposed to loud noises, we may recommend masking devices such as hearing aids or therapy like Tinnitus Retraining Therapy.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy can help someone grow accustomed to their tinnitus, meaning they have reached a state of mind where there is no longer a negative emotional response. The therapy can include directive counselling, sound therapy and most importantly time. Essentially, the therapy teaches you to ignore the tinnitus to the point that it longer bothers you.
It should be understood that not all tinnitus can be eliminated or reduced, no matter the cause and sometimes it will go away on its own.
