Audiologists diagnose, assess and treat conditions related to the inner ear, such as tinnitus. This is commonly known as a ringing in the ears that can affect your sleep, concentration and can even be related to other issues and hearing loss. If you’ve noticed the signs of tinnitus in yourself or a family member has, an audiologist can help. They’ll be able to get to the root of the problem and recommend suitable solutions according to your unique situation.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is essentially a condition where you hear noises that are not caused by sounds coming from the outside world. People with tinnitus will often hear sounds in their ears that can be temporary or more prolonged. These can include a ringing, buzzing, whooshing, humming, hissing or throbbing. These sounds are heard in just one ear or both, but either way can be irritating and frustrating.
There are several possible causes of tinnitus. It can occur gradually, temporarily or suddenly. It’s also often associated with different types of hearing loss. Causes of tinnitus can include age-related hearing loss, a build-up of wax, infection and inherited or underlying conditions. It can also be associated with exposure to loud noise. Tinnitus can affect people of all ages.
What can you do to cope with tinnitus?
The best thing to do if you experience symptoms of tinnitus is to see an audiologist. There are, however, other things you can try to help you cope with tinnitus. Relaxation techniques have been known to be very effective. These include breathing exercises and yoga. It’s also advisable to do whatever you can to improve your sleep routine, such as cutting down on caffeine and getting plenty of exercise. Stress and loud noises can cause tinnitus, so it’s best to avoid them where possible. Many people have found that total silence and focusing on tinnitus can be worse, so it’s a good idea to find a distraction such as quiet music or video as sound therapy.
How can an audiologist help?
If you or someone you know has tinnitus or things they may have, make an appointment to see an audiologist. This way, you’ll get the peace of mind you need, and they’ll help you get to the root of the problem. An audiologist can perform various tests to diagnose hearing issues. These are especially important if you’ve experienced tinnitus symptoms, as these could be indicative of different types of hearing loss. An audiologist will give you a hearing test.
As well as testing your hearing, an audiologist will also give you a thorough checkup. This includes examining your inner for infection, blockages or other abnormalities. They’ll also ask you a few lifestyle questions, such as whether you’ve been exposed to loud noises at work or in your social life. This will help them get to the heart of the matter and recommend the most suitable treatment. If you or anyone in your family has signs of tinnitus, make an appointment with an audiologist today.
