Tinnitus is the perception of a sound when that sound does not exist. The most common sounds are ringing, buzzing, clicking or humming.” It is estimated that 50 million Americans experience tinnitus. For some, it is constant, for others it is occasional. It can be heard in one or both ears. The most common cause of tinnitus is exposure to loud sounds. Tinnitus has also been associated with ear infections, aging, excessive ear wax, high blood pressure and hearing loss. Other activities which can cause tinnitus include smoking, drinking alcohol or caffeine and taking excessive amounts of aspirin or antibiotics.
Unfortunately, there is no magic pill that relieves tinnitus. Obviously, reducing stress, alcohol and caffeine consumption, keeping blood pressure under control and reducing exposure to loud noise will all be beneficial. Tinnitus can be a very troublesome symptom. It should be investigated, evaluated and treated.
First, rule out a medical problem. If there is a medical cause, treatment of the underlining problem may resolve the tinnitus. In many cases, those who have tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss possibly even a mild loss of hearing. An Audiological Evaluation can identify the nature and degree of hearing loss, as well as evaluate the frequency and intensity of the tinnitus. If hearing aids are appropriate, use of hearing aids often “cover up” or “mask” the tinnitus, making it less distracting. Sometimes a noise generator called a tinnitus masker is used. This creates a noise to cover up the tinnitus. If these solutions are not successful, behavior modification and relaxation techniques may be recommended.
Start with a hearing evaluation and medical examination. Call today to schedule an appointment.
Life sounds great! Enjoy every moment!
Jane Kukula, AuD
Paula Webster, MA
Advanced Audiology Concepts
8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848
http://www.aacHEAR.org/
Hearing aid styles are classified
as “standard” and “custom.” Standard hearing aids include behind-the-ear (BTE)
and mini-BTE devices. These devices are designed to fit most ears and usually
require some customization of the earpiece and the connection of the device to
the earpiece. Custom hearing aids include in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC),
and completely-in-the-canal (CIC). These products require a custom-molded shell
that houses the electronics. Standard and custom hearing aids come in a variety
of technologies, colors, shapes, and sizes. We work with you to review hearing aid options and
assist you in making a good choice. 
If hearing aids are indicated, I again, recommend you work with an audiologist. A hearing aid dealer can also fit and dispense hearing aids but their education and training is different. Audiologists have either a Master’s Degree or Doctoral Degree which includes college course work on the development of the ear, how it works, the anatomy and physiology of the ear, causes of hearing loss, ear diseases and fitting hearing aids. Hearing aid dealers are licensed in most states. The requirements may vary slightly state by state. In Ohio they need a high school education or equivalent, and must pass a state examination. Typically they are trained by other licensed hearing aid dealers.
There are several models available some work with hearing
aids and others work without hearing instruments. The ones that work with hearing aids work with
the telephone feature on some hearing aids.
With the telephone feature the television signals go through the hearing
aids at the prescribed settings.
Typically and audiologist will charge for the assessment. An audiologic assessment is more than just a hearing test. Audiologic assessment gives in depth
information about your ears and hearing.
It is the most important part of your evaluation. It is the cornerstone form which all of the
decisions and recommendations are made. The
assessment needs to be accurate and thorough.
It is performed in a sound booth using calibrated equipment. The assessment is the first step to good
hearing care and properly adjusting hearing aids. It is so important that Medicare and other
insurances pay for the assessment even when they do not pay for hearing
aids. 