Hearing ringing in your ears can be really annoying! That ringing – or other sound whether it be whistling, crickets, buzzing, etc. – is called tinnitus. Currently, tinnitus does not have any cure, though there are some treatment options available that can provide some relief.
The best treatment option for tinnitus is hearing aids! Oftentimes, tinnitus is a precursor to hearing loss, or is associated with hearing loss. Re-introducing or slightly amplifying environmental sounds can help distract your brain from focusing on the tinnitus. Many hearing aids also offer a feature where you can turn on a masking sound, if the environmental sounds aren’t enough. This masking sound can be constant, or it can fade in and out. Depending on the hearing aid, you may even be able to pick the sound, like white noise or ocean waves!
Hearing aids are not the only treatment option, though! External noise makers, like fans or white noise machines have been helpful for tinnitus patients; especially when trying to sleep! There are also some dietary options – like limiting your intake of alcohol, caffeine, and sodium – that have been helpful, as well.
Seeing a Gardner Hearing Doctor is a good step to treating your tinnitus! The Doctor will perform a hearing test, and can answer any questions you may have. If you are interested in finding a treatment for your tinnitus please contact Gardner Audiology in South Pasadena/St. Petersburg or any of our other 7 locations in Florida. Call at 1-800-277-1182. Visit gardneraudiology.com or www.gardnerhearingdoctors.com to schedule an appointment.
