For most people, silence is golden. For people suffering with tinnitus, that silence can be miserable. Even the quietest of moments, such as sleep, can be filled with buzzing, humming or ringing sounds. This unfortunate condition is called tinnitus. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), it has affected nearly 25 million Americans to date. While there is presently no cure for this condition, there are options to help.
Tinnitus is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to loud noises but also can stem from aging, head injuries or side effects from medications. For many of those afflicted, the impacts can be grave as the perpetual ringing can cause difficulties in mood, concentration and sleeping. While there are no curable options, different treatments can be used to help ease the suffering from the condition or help reduce the degree to which it is prevalent. These treatments include counseling to help in coping with the effects of tinnitus, sound therapy using subtle background noises to lessen the effects and, in some cases, hearing aids have been able to help provide relief though amplification of other sounds.
If you or someone you know suffers from ringing in the ears, the staff at Ascent Audiology & Hearing want to help evaluate treatment options to possibly lessen the effects of tinnitus. Simply fill out the Contact Us form and we will readily supply more information or contact you to schedule a free hearing evaluation and consultation.
Happy Hearing!
Dr. Amy Holland