Affecting about 1 in 6 Americans, tinnitus is a recurrent or persistent perception of noise that can be in the form of ringing, clicking, humming, or some other distracting sound. If you are living with this condition, it’s safe to assume you want it to go away or get to a point where it’s not a disputation to your daily life. Below you can learn what tinnitus treatment can do for you.
Identify a Possible Underlying Cause
The first thing tinnitus treatment can do for you is to determine if there’s an underlying source for your ear noise. In order to make this determination, you’ll likely be asked to describe the sounds you are hearing with as much detail as possible. If an underlying source is discovered, the treatment method may vary.
Decrease Symptoms with Earwax Removal
Tinnitus treatment sometimes involves professional earwax removal with specialized instruments or methods. Removing excessive earwax may improve your symptoms enough to make ear noise less distracting. If you notice an improvement with earwax removal, you may be advised to use home earwax removal methods involving warm water and a handheld syringe or pump device.
Help You Cope with Noise Suppression Techniques
If it’s not possible to completely stop your ear noise, your tinnitus treatment plan may involve noise suppression. One option is the use of white noise machines that create soothing environmental sounds like gentle ocean waves. Putting a fan or air conditioner on in the room where you sleep may also produce similar results. This approach to treatment for tinnitus may also help improve your quality of life with:
- Masking devices similar to hearing aids that produce low-level white noise
- A wearable device that delivers tonal music at the same frequency as your ear noise
- Counseling to help you learn how to refocus and benefit more from noise suppression techniques
Determine If a Hearing Aid May Help
The process of receiving tinnitus treatment can also involve IDing underlying hearing problems that may be causing your ear noise issues. Tests can be performed to either confirm or rule out hearing problems related to tinnitus. If it looks like a hearing aid may provide welcome relief, you’ll likely be advised to get fitted for a customized hearing device that’s appropriate for the hearing problem causing your tinnitus.
Finally, tinnitus treatment, whether it involves medication to reduce the severity of symptoms, noise suppression techniques, hearing aids, or something else that’s appropriate for you, can make life more enjoyable and productive for you again. However, the only way to find out how you may respond to treatment for tinnitus is to get a thorough evaluation and an accurate diagnosis. Learn about all of our treatment methods by visiting Advanced Ear, Nose & Throat Associates in Atlanta. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!