Tinnitus Management

Tinnitus is often referred to as a buzzing, ringing or whooshing sound in a person’s ear. Other people describe their tinnitus sound as a cricket or even a soft, white noise. While tinnitus is bothersome, it is often benign andvery common amongst people who work in industrial noise, have been exposed to loud impact sounds regularly like gun shots or jet engines, or those with hearing loss. Sometimes tinnitus can be resolved if the cause is wax, taking medication, or the result of another medical condition. In other cases, tinnitus is something that can be managed, but there are no medications to treat the condition as the cause of tinnitus is the results of damage in the auditory system. Tinnitus is often but not always associated with hearing loss, and is generated in the brain due to damage in the auditory system. Treating hearing loss with hearing aids can often be enough to reduce the perception of tinnitus, because by hearing more of the outside world with your hearing aid, you will hear the internal tinnitus sound less. Other methods of management also exist to help, like masking products, cognitive behavioural therapy, and relaxation techniques. If you work in noise or if your extra curricular activities involve exposure to loud sounds, it might be a good idea to protect your hearing to prevent damage and keep your hearing in tact. Tinnitus management and tinnitus education services are offered at Toronto Hearing Health Clinic to help you manage your symptoms.