Tinnitus
Do you have ringing, buzzing, whooshing, or other noises in your ears? Does it come and go or do you have an annoying, continuous sound in one or both ears?
If so, then we can help. Our specialists at Boulder Valley ENT are specially trained to diagnose and treat tinnitus concerns.
Tinnitus is very common and it is estimated that 50-70 million people in the U.S. battle tinnitus to some degree.
What causes tinnitus?
The definition of tinnitus reads: “A disorder in which a person hears noises such as buzzing, ringing, clicking, or the sound of a pulse, when no outside sound is causing them.”
Tinnitus can be a symptom of hearing loss, but can also be related to muscle tension, side effects of medications, or in rare cases more concerning conditions. If you have tinnitus that is constant and last several days or more, make an appointment with our ENT specialists today.
How to Treat Tinnitus
If a specific cause for the tinnitus is found, it is first addressed and treated, with the hope that the tinnitus will resolve as well.
Testing for Tinnitus may include:
- Imaging studies
- Balance testing
- Blood work
- Hearing tests
Often, however, specific causes for tinnitus are hard to pinpoint and the root source may be linked to a sensory hearing loss. There is no specific medication for tinnitus, just medications that help reduce the anxiety that tinnitus can cause or reduce the severity of the sound.
Therapies that can help tinnitus include:
- Sound therapy or tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
- Cognitive therapy
- Hearing aids
- Meditation
- Cochlear implants
- Electrical stimulation
Living with Tinnitus
If you have tinnitus, there are some ways to manage and lessen the effects of the constant annoying sounds.
Some tips for living with tinnitus include:
- Limit salt intake
- Minimize exposure to loud noises and sounds.
- Exercise on a daily basis in order to improve your body’s circulation.
- Avoid caffeine (i.e. coffee, cola, tea, etc) and other stimulants (i.e. tobacco, etc).
- Monitor your blood pressure
- Practice relaxation and concentration exercises to help control the muscle groups and body’s circulation.
- Try masking the sound with another sound
When are hearing devices recommended?
Your tinnitus evaluation begins with extensive audiologic testing and an assessment with one of our doctors. Our multidisciplinary team will then help formulate a management and treatment plan specifically for you.
How to Start Getting Treatment for Tinnitus
Before attempting your own treatment for tinnitus, however, we strongly recommend scheduling your appointment with our specialists to thoroughly evaluate your symptoms and help identify any underlying causes that may require specific treatments and preserve your hearing.
Contact Us Today!
At Boulder Valley Ear, Nose & Throat Associates, we provide the highest quality patient care in a friendly, professional atmosphere. We emphasize personalized customer service, availability, efficiency, honesty and integrity, and attention to detail. We strive to do things the right way at every level, all the time. If you suffer from frequent or constant bouts of tinnitus, contact us today!
