Tinnitus Counselling

Tinnitus can’t be cured, but it can be managed effectively with the right support. If you are struggling with this condition, remember that help is available.

Worried About Ringing in Your Ears?

Do you often hear a ringing, roaring, clicking, or hissing sound in your ears? Does it persist or become bothersome? If so, you may be experiencing tinnitus, and it’s a good idea to seek help from a hearing professional.

Many people experience tinnitus temporarily at some point, but for some, it becomes a constant companion. Tinnitus is derived from the Latin word for ‘ringing,’ and it refers to the perception of sound in the absence of external noise. The sounds can occur in one or both ears, or sometimes only in the mind. The noise can take various forms – ringing, hissing, even more complex sounds like music.

What Causes Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is often linked to underlying hearing problems but can also be a symptom of other health conditions. It can be triggered by:

Hearing Loss: Many individuals with tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss.

Loud Noise Exposure: Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can result in permanent hearing damage and the onset of tinnitus. Continued exposure may exacerbate both conditions.

Medications: Certain medications – more than 200, including aspirin – can cause or worsen tinnitus. If you’re experiencing tinnitus while taking medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Ear Infections or Blockages: A build-up of earwax or an ear infection can sometimes cause temporary tinnitus.

Blood Vessel Disorders: In rare cases, issues with blood flow, such as high blood pressure, may cause a specific form of tinnitus known as pulsatile tinnitus, which is heard in sync with the beating of the heart.

Other Medical Conditions: Tinnitus can sometimes be caused by issues unrelated to hearing, such as or muscle contractions, Ménière’s disease, head and neck injuries, or even jaw misalignment.

Middle aged man affected by tinnitus

Tinnitus Treatment Options

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for tinnitus, but we provide a range of effective management techniques:

Sound Therapy

When hearing loss is not present or doesn’t require treatment, we may recommend sound therapy devices. These devices create soothing background noise to mask the ringing or hissing of tinnitus, helping you feel more comfortable in your daily life.

Hearing Aids

For those with hearing loss, treating the hearing impairment often reduces or eliminates tinnitus symptoms. In cases where hearing aids alone aren’t sufficient, we may combine their use with sound therapy.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a widely recognised method for managing tinnitus. It helps you change the way you perceive and react to the sounds you hear. Through this therapy, you’ll learn to manage the emotional and psychological impact of tinnitus, making it less intrusive into your life.

Hypnosis

In certain cases, we may also offer Hypnotherapy as part of your tinnitus management plan. Hypnosis can be an effective method for reducing stress and anxiety related to tinnitus and may help you regain a sense of control more quickly than some other therapies.

What’s Next?

If you’re struggling with tinnitus, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team of highly trained audiologists are here to guide you through every step of your treatment. We offer compassionate support and cutting-edge solutions to help you manage tinnitus effectively.

Contact us today to enquire about an appointment, taking the first step towards relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for tinnitus at this time, but there are many effective treatments available. Since the condition is not a disease or an illness in itself, but rather a symptom of one, it’s crucial to identify the root cause in order to also identify the most suitable treatment for each individual case.ing threshold is generally considered to be 85 decibels (dB). Activities such as attending concerts (which can exceed 100dB), shooting (which can exceed 140 dB), using power tools, or working in noisy environments can damage your hearing over time. Using hearing protection helps prevent this damage and maintains your hearing health.

Almost anyone can get tinnitus. In many cases, tinnitus is temporary and resolves on its own. 1 in 8 people in the UK suffers from persistent tinnitus, which is particularly common among elderly people. It is unaffected by the degree of hearing loss and affects both men and women. Tinnitus can become a significant issue, affecting their overall quality of life.

While tinnitus is rarely a sign of a serious condition, it can still be bothersome or distressing. If you notice persistent tinnitus, especially if it started suddenly or occurs only in one ear, it’s a good idea to consult a hearing professional. It’s important not to panic, as stress can worsen tinnitus symptoms. We’re here to help you assess and manage the condition effectively.

If your tinnitus is a result of exposure to loud noise, the most important step you need to take to stop it from progressing is to protect your hearing. In case there is hearing loss, using hearing aids can be a game-changer in how tinnitus is managed.

If there is another underlying condition causing your tinnitus, taking steps to find out what it is and treat it will help you prevent the tinnitus from developing further.

In some cases, tinnitus can be temporary, especially if it’s caused by short-term factors like loud noise exposure or earwax buildup. However, for many, tinnitus is a chronic condition. While it may not completely go away, there are effective treatments to reduce its impact and make the symptoms more manageable.

While tinnitus is not a direct cause of dementia, there is research that suggests a potential link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. However, tinnitus alone is not considered a warning sign of dementia. If you are concerned about your hearing and cognitive health, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional.

It’s important to monitor tinnitus, especially if it becomes persistent or severe. While it might not indicate a serious health issue, ignoring it could mean missing out on treatments that could significantly improve your quality of life. If tinnitus is causing distress, a professional consultation can help you explore treatment options. In case this is something you’re interested in, get in touch with us today!

Tinnitus itself is not dangerous, but it can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying health condition that requires attention, such as ear infections or circulatory problems. Additionally, the impact of tinnitus on mental health, such as stress, anxiety, or sleep disturbances, can be significant, which is why it’s important to seek treatment if symptoms persist.