It is estimated 10-20% of the US population experiences tinnitus. Tinnitus is often described as ringing in the ears, but it can have many different sounds (whooshing, crickets, roaring). Typically, tinnitus is associated with hearing loss. However sometimes it may be related to something else, such as certain medications, ear infections, and ear wax, to name a few.
If tinnitus cannot be treated medically, hearing aids may be used to help manage tinnitus. They do not ‘cure’ tinnitus. Hearing aids help bring in extra sound that can help essentially distract the brain from the tinnitus. Sometimes the hearing aids alone are enough to manage the tinnitus, other times a low-level noise is immitted from the hearing aid to provide additional sound. Although hearing aids can be very effective tools to help minimize the perception of tinnitus, they will not necessarily take it away completely.
The first step if you are experiencing tinnitus is to schedule an exam with a Doctor of Audiology. An audiologist can give recommendations, including recommending if you need a medical evaluation by a physician for your tinnitus. To schedule an appointment with a Doctor of Audiology, contact Gardner Audiology at 800-277-1182 or gardneraudiology.com
