People suffering from tinnitus usually describe it as a ringing, buzzing or whistling noise. It is surprisingly common, with around 18% of Australians suffering from it at some stage in their lives. Tinnitus can vary in severity and even though most people have a relatively mild form, it can have a big impact on their quality of life.
Tinnitus is a physical condition. In other words, it is not something you imagine. There are a number of possible causes, but it is quite often associated with hearing loss.
Some possible causes of tinnitus
- Excessive noise
- An issue in the hearing pathway
- Accumulated wax in the ear
- A medical condition
- Otosclerosis (calcification of the bones in the middle ear)
- Meniere's disease
Things that could make tinnitus worse
- Stress and fatigue
- Caffeine, tea, coffee, coca-cola, chocolate, alcohol, nicotine and marijuana
Treatment can help
A recent study conducted by the Better Hearing Institute (BHI), a non-profit educational organisation in the United States, found that 6 out of 10 patients reported at least some relief of their tinnitus when using hearing aids (Mental Health Weekly Digest, Feb 2009).
We also know from studies in Australia that hearing aids can help because they:
- Provide a masking effect
- Provide acoustic stimulation
- Reduce straining to hear speech
Today's technology
The type of hearing aid fitted also plays a crucial role. To some people there is still a stigma attached to wearing hearing aids, but today's high performance hearing solutions are quite unobtrusive and are very comfortable to wear.
With today's technology, we can now also deliver a broader spectrum of frequencies (or pitch), allowing us to provide stimulation to the region of the cochlea where a patient's greatest hearing loss and tinnitus is.
Real life success stories
Victorian-based audiologist, Pauline Buchan, has specialised training in the area of tinnitus management and several years experience working with people who have tinnitus.
"Many people are told there is 'nothing that can be done' or that they 'will just have to learn to live with it'," said Ms Buchan.
"This is simply not true. I have been able to assist many people to successfully manage their tinnitus and improve their quality of life. While it is true there is no cure, there are certainly many things that can be done to help," she added.
Myths about tinnitus
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There is no treatment for tinnitus. False!
While there are no medications for tinnitus, there are other treatments that can effectively alleviate it. Hearing aids are one of the options which can be used to provide acoustic stimulation to the nerve pathways in the ear so that, over time, the tinnitus may become less bothersome even when hearing aids aren't worn. To find out more about how hearing aids can treat tinnitus FREECALL 1800 057 220.
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Tinnitus causes deafness. False!
Some people who have tinnitus also suffer from hearing loss, but tinnitus doesn't cause hearing loss. If you have tinnitus, it's a good idea to have your hearing tested. Call 1800 057 220 to book a FREE hearing test.
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Tinnitus is symptom of a serious illness. False!
Even though tinnitus is occasionally triggered by an illness, it is rarely a symptom of a serious problem. Please talk to your GP if you have any concerns. Your GP may refer you to an Audiologist, Audiometrist or Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialist for further investigation.
Selected clinics in Sydney & Melbourne specialise in tinnitus treatment.
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