One of the most highly debated topics in the discussion related to hearing loss is tinnitus. While the causes have been certainly well documented by medical professionals, the most common being prolonged exposure to loud noises, the various cures and treatments for the condition are still up in the air for debate. Within a few short minutes of going online, one can find a wide plethora of cures, therapies, and techniques to alleviate the frustration that tinnitus can cause.
A recent medical study was conducted by Sergei Kochkin and Richard Tyler, in which 230 patients with tinnitus were studied and examined. Their symptoms were closely looked at and the patients were each given hearing aids in an effort to alleviate some of the stresses that cause tinnitus. The results showed that up to 60% of the group showed improvement and claimed that the hearing aids had eliminated some of the symptoms and effects. This certainly seems to be promising news for the 36 million adults in the United States who claim to suffer from this disorder.
For many who have tinnitus, it’s normally one of the earliest and first signs of hearing loss. So the question now becomes one of how effective hearing aids can be in treatment. Hearing aids provide amplification and are of great assistance to many people who have issues with hearing loss. As the effects of tinnitus are usually constant and aggravating, a hearing aid can certainly help, but many hearing experts attest that it’s only one step toward proper treatment. In recent years, many doctors have taken to prescribing their patients noise therapy.
Noise therapy usually involves low-frequency white or pink noise, or ambient sounds such as a fan or other background noises commonly found in and around either nature or the home. These noises allow the brain to function and make up for the missing frequencies that sometimes cause tinnitus. An intense therapy schedule with a hearing aid and various noises can last anywhere from 12 to 24 months and can alleviate the aggravation that tinnitus causes over time.
If you or someone you know is struggling with tinnitus, it could be the early signs of either hearing loss or a much larger problem. Here at Coastal Hearing Care, we’ve helped many patients deal with both tinnitus and hearing loss and allowed them to lead productive lives. For more information on us and the services we have to offer, visit our website or give our team a call at 941-229-2122.