Ringing in the ear is annoying, and for around 50 million people, it is a common occurrence. Tinnitus is a condition that consists of a sound in the head or ears that has cannot be measured by an external source.

It can occur on one side or both, and it can come and go or be there constantly. There are various causes of tinnitus, and common ones are ear infections, long-term exposure to excessive noise, certain medications, and injuries of the head and neck.

While it rarely indicates a more serious problem, tinnitus is not fun for those who suffer from it. Although ringing is a common sound under the umbrella name of “tinnitus”, other people may experience humming, buzzing, roaring, chirping or hissing, and some may hear higher-pitched shrieking. Sometimes these symptoms get worse over time, while for others they stay the same.

There is no cure as far as specific medication, but there are things to do to minimize the noise and manage the sounds as well as coping strategies. Tinnitus therapy in Houston with Dr. Elly is one great option you can choose.

Tinnitus Evaluation and Treatment Procedures

If you notice symptoms of tinnitus, the first thing to do is to visit your physician, who will perform an exam to attempt to look into the issue further. The doctor will also do a review of medical history and current medications, as high doses of certain ones can lead to tinnitus. These drugs may include but are not limited to:

  • Cancer drugs
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antimalarial medications
  • Certain antibiotics
  • NSAIDS and aspirin
  • Loop diuretics

If medication is deemed to be the cause of tinnitus, or it is worsening it, your physician may recommend an alternative or change the dosage.

Sometimes tinnitus is impacted by certain health issues or even a decrease in general health. If the cause is determined to be an ear infection, prompt care may help reduce or discontinue the sounds.

Your doctor may recommend changes in nutrition or to increase physical activity. If you suffer from insomnia, anxiety, or depression, treatment for these may reduce the severity of the tinnitus.

Tight muscles may contribute to tinnitus symptoms, especially in cases of neck tension, tooth grinding, and jaw clenching. If this is the case, other forms of therapy may be effective.

Tinnitus can usually mean that there is an auditory system issue, which requires a visit to an audiologist to obtain a hearing test. Treatment for this may include hearing aid technology.

Therapy Benefits and Goals

For those in which a specific cause cannot be determined, an experienced audiologist can work with them to reduce the negative impact of tinnitus using different therapy techniques. Sound therapy is one way to mask the awareness of different symptoms. This may include white noise, background music, or ear maskers.

Professional audiologists may work with you on tinnitus retraining therapy, which involves multiple techniques such as using white noise and counseling sessions. This helps reeducate the auditory system to accept the sounds of tinnitus as being a natural thing, which results in them being less bothersome. Studies find that this therapy offers relief for four out of five patients.

Get Help with Your Tinnitus

Seeking tinnitus therapy in Houston can greatly help reduce symptoms and help the body cope better with intense sounds. Memorial Hearing is one of the best and most reliable companies to diagnose and manage the various sounds of tinnitus.

If you have been suffering with tinnitus or have hearing concerns, contact us to schedule an appointment with the audiologist for an evaluation and begin your healing journey.

_______

Image Credit: Getty/ SIphotography