Imagine hearing a background buzzing or ringing in your ears. Sometimes it’s always there, while other times it comes and goes. At Rhodes Centers for Better Hearing, our hearing professionals understand how this extra noise can interrupt your daily moments, whether it’s during a quiet evening at home or a busy day at work. We know that tinnitus can feel intrusive and distracting, and that’s why we’re committed to helping you explore the many ways to manage it.
With a range of treatment options and personalized support, we work closely with you to find the relief you need. Our goal is to help you regain the quiet and balance that make your life feel right at home.
Understanding Tinnitus
Tinnitus is often experienced as an internal sound that seems to come from within your ears rather than from the environment around you. You might hear a ringing, buzzing or hissing noise that can either be constant or appear sporadically, sometimes disrupting your quiet moments or sleep. The experience varies from person to person – while some notice these sounds only occasionally, others deal with them on a daily basis. Many find that tinnitus becomes particularly noticeable during periods of silence, making it harder to relax or focus.
There are several factors that can lead to tinnitus, with hearing loss from prolonged exposure to loud noises being one of the most common. When the delicate hair cells in your inner ear become damaged – whether from concerts, a noisy work environment or extended headphone use – the brain may misinterpret the lack of signals as sound. Other causes include ear infections, a buildup of earwax and age-related changes in the ear’s structure or function. Additionally, head or neck injuries and certain medications can also trigger these internal sounds. Common symptoms include difficulty concentrating, trouble following conversations and a general sense of distraction from the persistent or intermittent noises you hear.
What Treatments Provide Tinnitus Relief?
Tinnitus isn’t a disease on its own – it’s a symptom that can signal an underlying issue with your hearing or overall health. While there isn’t a cure for chronic tinnitus, there are many methods available to help manage the symptoms and provide relief. The goal is to reduce the distraction and discomfort so that you can continue to enjoy your daily life. Some of the most common relief methods include:
- Hearing aids with masking features: These devices not only improve your hearing but also include built-in sound generators that help mask the tinnitus sounds.
- Sound machines: Designed to produce soothing ambient noise, these machines can help cover up the internal sounds of tinnitus, making it easier to relax or sleep.
- Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT): This approach combines sound therapy with counseling to help you gradually become less aware of the tinnitus over time.
Our hearing professionals will carefully evaluate your symptoms and listen to your experiences to understand how tinnitus affects your day-to-day life. Based on this assessment, we’ll work with you to find the right combination of relief methods that best suits your needs.