The Role of an Audiologist in Managing Tinnitus
Coping With Tinnitus
Despite its prevalence, there’s still a lot of mystery surrounding tinnitus. It’s not a disease but a symptom of underlying conditions such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury, or a circulatory system disorder. Regardless of its cause, one thing is certain: managing tinnitus can be challenging. That’s where the role of an audiologist comes in.
More About This Condition
Tinnitus is characterised by the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. It’s a symptom associated with many hearing loss or other health issues and can manifest in various ways. Some people hear it as a high-pitched whistling, while others might perceive a low roaring sound. It might be constant or intermittent, and its volume can range from quiet background noise to a sound that can drown out external noises. The impact of this condition can vary widely. For some, it’s a slight nuisance, but for others, tinnitus can lead to significant problems such as difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, anxiety, and depression.
The Role of an Audiologist
Audiologists are healthcare professionals specialising in diagnosing, managing, and treating hearing or balance problems. They use various testing strategies to determine whether someone has normal sensitivity to sounds.
For tinnitus, the first step an audiologist will take is to understand the patient’s unique auditory problems through a detailed case history and a series of auditory tests. This helps identify potential causes and any other hearing loss that might be associated with it.
Once the cause is identified, the audiologist works on a management plan. While there’s no cure for tinnitus, many management strategies can help minimise its impact. These can include sound therapy (using external noise to alter the perception of tinnitus), cognitive behavioural therapy (to change the way a person reacts to tinnitus), and tinnitus retraining therapy (combining sound therapy and teaching the brain to ignore tinnitus). If the tinnitus is due to hearing loss, hearing aids can also significantly help.
Manage Your Hearing
Tinnitus can be a distressing condition, but it doesn’t have to take over your life! An audiologist can diagnose your condition and provide strategies and tools to manage it. If you’re struggling with tinnitus, don’t suffer in silence. Reach out to a professional audiologist and explore the many options available to improve your quality of life.